Visit to Simpsons, Ltd - Import Marking Discussion

mrerick · 05-06-2015, 08:17 AM

The answer to the question about re-importing US manufactured firearms is a bit complex.

I believe that it relates to the ownership of the firearm while it was overseas.

If the firearm belonged to the US government while overseas (like the M1 Garand rifles that were loaned by the US government to Greece, for example) they do not have to be import marked.

I recently bought a Smith and Wesson model 10 revolver that had been used by the Victoria Austrialia police. It was traded in to Smith and Wesson for a newer model S&W pistol. Thus, when it re-entered the US, it belonged to S&W. It was not import marked.

If the M1 Garands owned by countries that we sold them to like Korea will have to be import marked if we ever allow re-importation.

The Sturgess collection was import marked as required by Federal law.

I don't think import marking improves the value of firearms. Most collectors of WW-II firearms think it reduces the value of a firearm since it is evidence it wasn't brought in to the USA during or right after the war. Other collectors just consider is evidence of the history of the firearm. Finally some consider it an alteration and flaw that reduces firearm value.

Ultimately this impact is up to the buyer and seller.

Marc

DonVoigt · 06-07-2015, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken4

Does anyone know about how many lugers were brought into this country commercially and how many were war trophy's ?

Someone might know the former, but no way to know the latter!

Folks on the Japanese forum ask this question about Arisaka rifles all the time. Fortunately the military kept account of how many rifles were collected and then given to GI's as souveniers. Of a total of about 2.5 million, 1/2 were destroyed, and 1/2 souveniered!

I've not seen any thing similar regarding European trophys, but I believe there may be a "million" Lugers floating around too!

05-06-2015, 08:17 AM	#1
mrerick Super Moderator - Patron LugerForum Life Patron Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Eastern North Carolina, USA Posts: 3,920 Thanks: 1,377 Thanked 3,135 Times in 1,518 Posts	The answer to the question about re-importing US manufactured firearms is a bit complex. I believe that it relates to the ownership of the firearm while it was overseas. If the firearm belonged to the US government while overseas (like the M1 Garand rifles that were loaned by the US government to Greece, for example) they do not have to be import marked. I recently bought a Smith and Wesson model 10 revolver that had been used by the Victoria Austrialia police. It was traded in to Smith and Wesson for a newer model S&W pistol. Thus, when it re-entered the US, it belonged to S&W. It was not import marked. If the M1 Garands owned by countries that we sold them to like Korea will have to be import marked if we ever allow re-importation. The Sturgess collection was import marked as required by Federal law. I don't think import marking improves the value of firearms. Most collectors of WW-II firearms think it reduces the value of a firearm since it is evidence it wasn't brought in to the USA during or right after the war. Other collectors just consider is evidence of the history of the firearm. Finally some consider it an alteration and flaw that reduces firearm value. Ultimately this impact is up to the buyer and seller. Marc __________________ Igitur si vis pacem, para bellum - - Therefore if you want peace, prepare for war.

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