How much does an import mark kill value? - Page 2

kurusu · 06-14-2016, 05:03 PM

Quote:

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.

Edward Tinker · 06-14-2016, 07:51 PM

In the USA we have so many more of pre-WW2 guns readily available that I think we are a bit spoiled.

I do remember a number of years ago that many collectors turned their noses down at British Import/Export markings...

I don't like import markings and as said before by others, it knocks it down to almost shooter price - however, I would not turn down a rare model with one. A friend of mine had a 1925 Simson - I would gladly buy it if I found it for sale.

Bill_in_VA · 06-14-2016, 08:02 PM

I certainly don't consider myself a serious collector, let alone any kind of an expert, but for me an import mark automatically puts it in the shooter category just as if it was nickle plated.

Sergio Natali · 06-15-2016, 03:31 AM

I hate marks in general but I think we should consider the fact that "import marks" and "proof marks" are two different things with different meanings.

06-14-2016, 07:51 PM	#22
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	In the USA we have so many more of pre-WW2 guns readily available that I think we are a bit spoiled. I do remember a number of years ago that many collectors turned their noses down at British Import/Export markings... I don't like import markings and as said before by others, it knocks it down to almost shooter price - however, I would not turn down a rare model with one. A friend of mine had a 1925 Simson - I would gladly buy it if I found it for sale. __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

06-14-2016, 08:02 PM	#23
Bill_in_VA User Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Southwest Virginia Posts: 391 Thanks: 802 Thanked 583 Times in 211 Posts	I certainly don't consider myself a serious collector, let alone any kind of an expert, but for me an import mark automatically puts it in the shooter category just as if it was nickle plated. __________________ John 8:32 reive (riːv) vb (Military) (intr) dialect Scot and Northern English to go on a plundering raid [variant of reave] ˈreiver n e.g., " Some view the Border Reivers as loveable rogues."

06-15-2016, 03:31 AM	#24
Sergio Natali User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Somewhere in Northern Italy Posts: 2,646 Thanks: 1,087 Thanked 1,783 Times in 1,007 Posts	I hate marks in general but I think we should consider the fact that "import marks" and "proof marks" are two different things with different meanings. __________________ "Originality can't be restored and should be at the top of any collector's priority list.