Import markings?
 

Eric asked me to post this, since I can type 12 words a minute :evilgrin:
We've had comments and a thread or two, but lets talk it out for Eric - He says he will post less Florida pictures when the rest of us have snow :eek:
:thumbup:

Question is - how much does import markings affect you in buying? :rockon:

For me, unless it was some super rare/prototype/GL's or Hitler's personal Luger, etc. an import mark puts it straight into the shooter category.

I agree with Bill. Although it should be noted that I don't intend to acquire any "collectable" Lugers at this point in my life. Anything I buy is getting shot.

I especially dislike "CIA" import stampings. Mainly because the one I've seen are 'huge' compared to the "Made in Germany" stampings. My 1920 commercial has the 'made in germany stamp, but it is very faint.

I am no longer a collector of any guns, and am a regular shooter. An import marked Luger that is reliable is not a problem for me.

Can we assume all our unaltered lugers were imported before the law was enacted?? 1968?

I am a collector so would avoid modern import marks. They are not part of the firearms history but are a stupid law requirement. If it was hard to find and I needed to fill a slot maybe, just maybe. Bill

No import markings for me, with one sole exception. Post WWII Walthers, used only as shooters can have an Interarms logo, as that marking was applied by the factory, when the pistol was first sold. It's even under the original finish. but on collector guns, no way.

Its like my ex-wives bad tatoo!

At least the import mark is an honest mark, easy to tell for all; that is what it is. Not much guessing or wool with it.

One exception, the 'GERMANY' is hidden inside the tang although all other 1920s are on the outside right above the take down lever!

Here is another~ https://www.ammoland.com/2013/10/gun...#axzz53cHQblGd

Only 6 pictures~

The “Germany” marking is the country of origin required for all imported items. In my opinion, this mark adds historical value to my Lugers. The “Germany” marking is not the same as an “import mark”
There are many Lugers we collect that would not be on the US market without “import marks” because of the scarcity or time released from their country’s arsenals.
Here are just a few importers that have allowed us to expand our collections; Odin brought the Siamese Lugers, CIA brought in Finnish Lugers and Simpson has brought in many very rare and exotic Lugers.
We all have our standards for building our collections, I recognize and appreciate the service that the importer have provided to allow me to build my collection.
Yes, I proudly own “import marked” pistols.

I agree with Dick. Import markings are part of the history of the firearm. If one only collects factory fresh pistols that were never issued, never officially refurbished, never sold off as surplus, etc. a collector is very limited in their field of collecting. Collectors will pay a premium for provenance. Well, property markings, inspector markings, bring-back papers, factory letters, and import markings are part of the provenance of the weapon. They may not be very pretty at times but neither are the hulking big property markings found on the German Police firearms that I collect.

George

As an "extra small" :rolleyes: collector I could do without import markings, as well as proofs marks, unfortunaterly as Dick above said they are often legally required.
I think practically all my firearms somehow bear some proof or import mark like the ones pictured below.

I own 21 lugers, none with any import markings. Am I to assume each was imported in the US before the law went into effect? Can I sell them without the stupid marking?