LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Are There Usually Import Marking On Swiss Luger

Pete Ebbink · 02-25-2006, 08:15 PM

Hi Eric,

Might I ask the serial number of the M1929 Bern luger you are selling and what color plastic grips/magazine bottom it has ?

I am not sure about the stampings you have asked about...two possibilites :

1. When a gun is given to a retiring Swiss soldier, a P or a P-(date) stamping is applied somewhere on the luger to indicate it was released from Ordnance use. This stamping might be something such as "P 52"...indicating it was released from Ordnance use in the year 1952. You will see this stamping along the left side of the receiver, the left side frame rail, or in the front of the frame above or sometimes on the trigger guard. Sometimes the gun is refurbished prior to release or other times it is not.

I think USA collectors do not like to see this...as the stampings are done hasitly and letters/numbers are usually crooked. The folks in Switzerland seem to like to see the P-release stampings as it indicates the gun was wanted by the retiring soldier and its ownership can be traced.

2. If a gun was sent out of Switzerland and imported into the USA after 1968, the company doing the USA importation would stamp their importor company name and State somewhere visibly on the gun.

I think USA collectors, generally, do not want to see such "importer stamps" on their collection-grade lugers or other guns. If you are selling a luger with such importer stampings, you should let the buyer know...as some buyers might be disappointed to see them and may ask for their money refunded.

Let me know of what type of stampings you have inquired...

02-25-2006, 08:15 PM	#3
Pete Ebbink User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The USA Posts: 5,919 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Hi Eric, Might I ask the serial number of the M1929 Bern luger you are selling and what color plastic grips/magazine bottom it has ? I am not sure about the stampings you have asked about...two possibilites : 1. When a gun is given to a retiring Swiss soldier, a P or a P-(date) stamping is applied somewhere on the luger to indicate it was released from Ordnance use. This stamping might be something such as "P 52"...indicating it was released from Ordnance use in the year 1952. You will see this stamping along the left side of the receiver, the left side frame rail, or in the front of the frame above or sometimes on the trigger guard. Sometimes the gun is refurbished prior to release or other times it is not. I think USA collectors do not like to see this...as the stampings are done hasitly and letters/numbers are usually crooked. The folks in Switzerland seem to like to see the P-release stampings as it indicates the gun was wanted by the retiring soldier and its ownership can be traced. 2. If a gun was sent out of Switzerland and imported into the USA after 1968, the company doing the USA importation would stamp their importor company name and State somewhere visibly on the gun. I think USA collectors, generally, do not want to see such "importer stamps" on their collection-grade lugers or other guns. If you are selling a luger with such importer stampings, you should let the buyer know...as some buyers might be disappointed to see them and may ask for their money refunded. Let me know of what type of stampings you have inquired...