Import Marks ??

c3006 · 09-13-2005, 10:19 PM

I was just given a nice Luger Marked S/42 dated 1938 SN#4589 It has most of its blue and several proof marks on it but as I was looking at it I found CAI ST AIR VT on the bottom of the barrel which I was told were proof marks and made it less desirable,Is this true? This is my first post. Thanks c3006

policeluger · 09-13-2005, 10:45 PM

True, worth less, this is not a "proof" mark but an inport marked gun....and welcome here.....

G.W. Gill · 09-14-2005, 12:12 AM

I have a K98 with the same import mark. I wonder who they were.

Edward Tinker · 09-14-2005, 12:18 AM

Try doing a search on www.google.com , put the entire string, plus import mark and you'll find it.

Ed

wworker · 09-14-2005, 02:58 AM

"CAI ST ALB VT" is Century Arms International of St. Albans Vermont.

Your import mark is an older version. The new CAI import mark is "CAI GEORGIA VT" which stands for Century Arms International of Georgia, Vermont.

CAI's import mark is often critized since last year when they switched from putting the marking on the barrel to the receiver. The newer CAI import mark is known as the "billboard" of import marks and is usually despised for its size.

Alas, something I know something about.

You said someone gave you this Luger. Do they have anymore and do they need another friend, relative or adopted son?

c3006 · 09-14-2005, 02:50 PM

LOL I think it was there only one and they gave it to me because I did some work for them although I asked for nothing . It has a nice leather holster with a tool in the lid and a extra mag,I think it has give me the luger fever. Thanks for the info. c3006

John Sabato · 09-14-2005, 03:10 PM

Welcome to the Lugerforum... I wish I could meet some folks with that attitude...

c3006 · 09-14-2005, 06:32 PM

The side plate seems to be the only piece that the number does not match on,would it be unethical to try and find one with the right to didgits and replace it and if not how would you go about finding one? Thanks c3006

Navy · 09-14-2005, 07:45 PM

c3006,

What you are describing is called a "forced match". While on *many* parts it is undetectable, on a sideplate it only works occasionally. So, in addition to being questionable from an "ethical" perspective, there are practical considerations also.

Tom A.

09-13-2005, 10:19 PM	#1
c3006 User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: east tn Posts: 526 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	Import Marks ?? I was just given a nice Luger Marked S/42 dated 1938 SN#4589 It has most of its blue and several proof marks on it but as I was looking at it I found CAI ST AIR VT on the bottom of the barrel which I was told were proof marks and made it less desirable,Is this true? This is my first post. Thanks c3006 __________________ Men Accustomed unto thier arms and their liberties will never endure the yoke. James Harrington 1776

09-14-2005, 02:50 PM	#6
c3006 User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: east tn Posts: 526 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	LOL I think it was there only one and they gave it to me because I did some work for them although I asked for nothing . It has a nice leather holster with a tool in the lid and a extra mag,I think it has give me the luger fever. Thanks for the info. c3006 __________________ Men Accustomed unto thier arms and their liberties will never endure the yoke. James Harrington 1776

09-14-2005, 03:10 PM	#7
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,150 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,304 Times in 1,096 Posts	Welcome to the Lugerforum... I wish I could meet some folks with that attitude... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

09-14-2005, 06:32 PM	#8
c3006 User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: east tn Posts: 526 Thanks: 5 Thanked 12 Times in 5 Posts	The side plate seems to be the only piece that the number does not match on,would it be unethical to try and find one with the right to didgits and replace it and if not how would you go about finding one? Thanks c3006 __________________ Men Accustomed unto thier arms and their liberties will never endure the yoke. James Harrington 1776

09-13-2005, 10:45 PM	#2
policeluger RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ca. Posts: 2,141 Thanks: 8 Thanked 89 Times in 54 Posts	True, worth less, this is not a "proof" mark but an inport marked gun....and welcome here.....

09-14-2005, 12:12 AM	#3
G.W. Gill User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 369 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I have a K98 with the same import mark. I wonder who they were.

09-14-2005, 12:18 AM	#4
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,909 Thanks: 1,986 Thanked 4,500 Times in 2,076 Posts	Try doing a search on www.google.com , put the entire string, plus import mark and you'll find it. Ed __________________ 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

09-14-2005, 02:58 AM	#5
wworker User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 65 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	"CAI ST ALB VT" is Century Arms International of St. Albans Vermont. Your import mark is an older version. The new CAI import mark is "CAI GEORGIA VT" which stands for Century Arms International of Georgia, Vermont. CAI's import mark is often critized since last year when they switched from putting the marking on the barrel to the receiver. The newer CAI import mark is known as the "billboard" of import marks and is usually despised for its size. Alas, something I know something about. You said someone gave you this Luger. Do they have anymore and do they need another friend, relative or adopted son?

09-14-2005, 07:45 PM	#9
Navy RIP Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dc 'burbs in Virginia Posts: 2,482 Thanks: 0 Thanked 16 Times in 10 Posts	c3006, What you are describing is called a "forced match". While on many parts it is undetectable, on a sideplate it only works occasionally. So, in addition to being questionable from an "ethical" perspective, there are practical considerations also. Tom A.