Import markings on Black Widow

bwilliams · 12-16-2006, 11:03 AM

Hello Members
I just got back from a gun show that had one Luger at the whole show. It was a BYF 41 with matching numbers, black grips and good blueing, maybe reblued. On the right side in line with the proof marks was an import marking. Our Town MD, some company Inc, and Germany all in very small letters. The asking price is $1200. My question is, is this a $600 shooter with the import markings or a collectable luger? Your advice would be greatly appreciated I'll make up my mind what to offer this guy.
Thanks Bill

John D. · 12-16-2006, 11:16 AM

Hi Bill,

Just as a datapoint - there is a rather large gun store just north of here, that, a few weeks ago - had a similar BYF 41 "import" marked as well. The price was set at $725 and marked as an "import". It sold in a week or two... That being said - as Lugers are becoming increasingly difficult to find - even import marked are starting to rise... As for the $1200 figure you are wrestling with - my opinion is that it is overpriced...

Hope this helps!

John

Schupo · 12-16-2006, 11:40 AM

An interesting subject. I have thought about these import markings for years and I will certainly say up front that I don't like them. If given the opportunity, I will always buy a firearm without the import markings if I can.

Having said that, I seem to have come to terms with import markings over the years. Some pistols just seem to have them. Postwar or DDR rework German pistols for instance. Anyway, I have come to view these markings as a part of the history of the pistol as long as they are not obnoxious or just plain ugly markings. I now view them in the same vein as armorer markings that indicate reworking or unit markings.

bwilliams · 12-16-2006, 12:47 PM

Thanks Guys
I'm on my way back to the show. Much better informed than before. If I get the gun I will post pics. Thanks for the advice.
Bill

12-16-2006, 11:03 AM	#1
bwilliams User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: missouri ozark mts Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Import markings on Black Widow Hello Members I just got back from a gun show that had one Luger at the whole show. It was a BYF 41 with matching numbers, black grips and good blueing, maybe reblued. On the right side in line with the proof marks was an import marking. Our Town MD, some company Inc, and Germany all in very small letters. The asking price is $1200. My question is, is this a $600 shooter with the import markings or a collectable luger? Your advice would be greatly appreciated I'll make up my mind what to offer this guy. Thanks Bill

12-16-2006, 11:40 AM	#3
Schupo User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Kansas City Metro Posts: 206 Thanks: 1 Thanked 102 Times in 47 Posts	An interesting subject. I have thought about these import markings for years and I will certainly say up front that I don't like them. If given the opportunity, I will always buy a firearm without the import markings if I can. Having said that, I seem to have come to terms with import markings over the years. Some pistols just seem to have them. Postwar or DDR rework German pistols for instance. Anyway, I have come to view these markings as a part of the history of the pistol as long as they are not obnoxious or just plain ugly markings. I now view them in the same vein as armorer markings that indicate reworking or unit markings. __________________ "You can't please everyone, so you have got to please yourself." Ricky Nelson

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12-16-2006, 11:16 AM	#2
John D. Administrator & Site Owner LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: A Little NE of Somewhere... Posts: 2,651 Thanks: 477 Thanked 515 Times in 128 Posts	Hi Bill, Just as a datapoint - there is a rather large gun store just north of here, that, a few weeks ago - had a similar BYF 41 "import" marked as well. The price was set at $725 and marked as an "import". It sold in a week or two... That being said - as Lugers are becoming increasingly difficult to find - even import marked are starting to rise... As for the $1200 figure you are wrestling with - my opinion is that it is overpriced... Hope this helps! John

12-16-2006, 12:47 PM	#4
bwilliams User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: missouri ozark mts Posts: 8 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks Guys I'm on my way back to the show. Much better informed than before. If I get the gun I will post pics. Thanks for the advice. Bill