How much does an import mark kill value?

[tudorbug]

This is a good question on a topic that is difficult to nail down. I've enjoyed seeing the variety of responses; they have been helpful and I thank all the posters for their efforts and time in responding.

David

[Olle]

Just for illustration, here's a billboard stamp from Century Arms (one of the worst offenders). I'd say that a stamp like this is the kiss of death to any gun. Market value is one thing, but if it's so butt ugly that nobody wants it (or want's to take a chance on it) you have effectively reduced the value to zero.

In this particular case, it also has a retrofitted safety (which, by the way, locks itself on every round and makes the gun very safe... ) which adds insult to injury. I have never seen an original Polish Tokarev for sale, but I would expect that it would be close to $1k if you ever find one. Now it's a $250-$300 shooter that has been disfigured for life.

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by Olle

Just for illustration, here's a billboard stamp from Century Arms (one of the worst offenders). I'd say that a stamp like this is the kiss of death to any gun. Market value is one thing, but if it's so butt ugly that nobody wants it (or want's to take a chance on it) you have effectively reduced the value to zero.

In this particular case, it also has a retrofitted safety (which, by the way, locks itself on every round and makes the gun very safe... ) which adds insult to injury. I have never seen an original Polish Tokarev for sale, but I would expect that it would be close to $1k if you ever find one. Now it's a $250-$300 shooter that has been disfigured for life.

In this particular case I'd say it detracts from the value some 120%.
They would have to pay me to take that thing out of their hands.

[Sergio Natali]

Originally Posted by Olle

Just for illustration, here's a billboard stamp from Century Arms (one of the worst offenders). I'd say that a stamp like this is the kiss of death to any gun. Market value is one thing, but if it's so butt ugly that nobody wants it (or want's to take a chance on it) you have effectively reduced the value to zero.

In this particular case, it also has a retrofitted safety (which, by the way, locks itself on every round and makes the gun very safe... ) which adds insult to injury. I have never seen an original Polish Tokarev for sale, but I would expect that it would be close to $1k if you ever find one. Now it's a $250-$300 shooter that has been disfigured for life.

That's not just a "proof mark", that import mark is a sheer shame!!

[Olle]

Originally Posted by kurusu

In this particular case I'd say it detracts from the value some 120%.
They would have to pay me to take that thing out of their hands.

It's really a shame, the Polish version is very well built and would be a great addition to my collection if it was all original. Like I said, I have never seen one offered for sale, so they must be pretty darn rare in original configuration. The only reason I got it was that I don't want to shoot my Russian and Chinese TTs, so when this one showed up for $200 I just couldn't pass. I have to take that safety off though, it jumps to safe position with each and every round you shoot. It's on there to comply with the Saturday Night Special legislation, so it feels good to know that this gun can't be used by criminals.

[rhuff]

I own a 1944 Colt 1911A1 that is a "lend-lease" gun to England. It has a number of British proof marks on it, including frame, barrel, etc. In this case, it would only be correct if it has these proof marks. It does not have any import markings, as I purchased it before they were required.

[Eugen]

Originally Posted by rhuff

I own a 1944 Colt 1911A1 that is a "lend-lease" gun to England. It has a number of British proof marks on it, including frame, barrel, etc. In this case, it would only be correct if it has these proof marks. It does not have any import markings, as I purchased it before they were required.

Now that, in my opinion, is a horse of a different color. That might add value given the historical significance.

[kurusu]

Originally Posted by rhuff

I own a 1944 Colt 1911A1 that is a "lend-lease" gun to England. It has a number of British proof marks on it, including frame, barrel, etc. In this case, it would only be correct if it has these proof marks. It does not have any import markings, as I purchased it before they were required.

Your Colt is absolutely correct historically. No way it's value would be affected. And considering what's been happening to handguns in England, it's value will surely increase.