Import Marks???
 

Some of my recent online searches have turned up several pistols with import markings placed on frames. Other pistols I've seen either don't have the markings or they weren't found (by me) in the pictures provided and were not mentioned specifically in the descriptions. I've handled several Lugers that did not have the import markings (or I could not find them at least - i.e. internally marked...).

I somewhat understand the reason for the markings, but was wondering what the implications are for marked -vs- unmarked pistols.
I guess it would be intuitively obvious to get a historic pistol without the markings, but was wondering the following:

1) How prevalent are unmarked P08's in the US marketplace?
2) What is the resale value impact for comparable marked -vs- unmarked pistols?
3) It's hard for me to believe that all of the numerous unmarked Lugers I've seen would have been bring-backs; would many of the unmarked Lugers have been imported prior to enactment of regulations?

Sorry for boring you with my ridiculous questions but thanks for those with the patience to respond. I'm learning a lot on here!
Zk
Studying diligently for that kindergarten final exam at Luger University...

Your questions are valid! There are several discussions posted! Search, "import Markings"

Still finding my way around here...
My bad - thank you.
Zk

I highly doubt that Eric meant anything bad by his remarks, he was trying to be helpful.

import markings are several things - the "Germany" markings are actually export markings and don't affect value on lugers

import markings were not required until after 1968, so lots of lugers imported before that time, and or brought back by GI's and post WW2 bought by companies...

No offense taken.
I found an old thread discussing this subject using the search feature.
I just didn't think to search beyond the list of most recent threads.
Kind of mind boggling when you drill into this forum, the vast resources available here.
Must be painful tap dancing around rookies like me.
Thx for your patience.
Zk

No Offence, Thank You Ed! Its a matter of preference. Luger with import marks are less expensive. My reference to a tatoo is that they like a tatoo is permanent. I prefer a natural condition! Buy what you can afford!! Eric

Eric always tries to help. Some import marks impact value and some don't. The answer can change by the type of Luger and the date. Hence Eric's advice to read threads.

My own take on your questions:
1)Most military pistols I see are not import marked.
2)Impact (if any) on value depends on the mark, era and type of pistol. This is where it can get complex. As you seem mostly interested in military pistols, I am confining my answer to those. IMO any post-1968 import mark devalues a P 08. For me any import mark at all is a deal-killer on an otherwise collectible military. As far as how much it devalues an otherwise collectible pistol, that's a good question! I've never thought about, I just skip import marked P 08s. My wild guess would be 20% devalue, it will be interesting to hear what others say.
3)Yes, lots of P 08s were brought in without import marks pre-1968. Lack of an import mark does not prove it is a GI bring back, although it could be.

Thank You Greg~The beauty of lugers there is one for every taste, condition price! My first was a 1906 French as I spent 2 summers living with a prior Basque resistance family in Bayonne France. You never forget your first or last!

I'm happy 4scale skips the lugers with import markings! ;)
There are some very scarce or rare lugers that if I find one, I'll buy it with an import marking; doesn't mean I like it - but some variants are really hard to find.

We've condensed quite a bit of information in the Collector's FAQ document we make available free on the forum. Just follow the FAQ link at the top of forum pages and download it. It's both priceless and free.

The 1900 was the US test gun and 1902 For commercial sales! The 1902 was the first 9MM, only around 500 made! On its face is "Germany" The test luger has no such marking!

Ah, but he doesn't - he skips the P 08s subset with import markings. I have several American Eagles with nice, big "Germany" stamps.:)

American Eagles are my favorite!! How many Eagle variations were made?? A great collection, for sure!!

Heres A Reminder Eagles~ https://www.forgottenweapons.com/ame...lugers-at-ria/

Of course; all "import marks" are not created equal!:cheers:

Import marking on 1902 fat! No inport marking on 1900 Test Luger?

No, export. Country of origin marking was a requirement of the 1890 Tariff Act (commonly known as the McKinley Act) for goods imported into the US. Therefore, the marking was applied by the country that exported the items.

Ron Knows His Stuff~ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McKinley_Tariff

No, that is an export mark on your Fat Barrel. And you already know there isn't supposed to be an export mark on a Test Eagle, that is one of the distinguishing characteristics.

Pay attention, you may be tested at a later date. :nono:
Ron :cheers: