LugerForum Discussion Forums my profile | register | faq | search
upload photo | donate | calendar

Go Back   LugerForum Discussion Forums > Luger Discussion Forums > All P-08 Military Lugers

Reply
Thread Tools Display Modes
Unread 05-24-2022, 07:29 PM   #1
jeb111
Patron
LugerForum
Patron
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: wyoming
Posts: 275
Thanks: 676
Thanked 321 Times in 131 Posts
Default Import mark

I saw today that Simpson's Ltd posted a first version 1937 S/42 Luger for sale for $1895. Looks to be all matching minus mag and grips but the finish looks pretty decent but unfortunately they put their import mark on it. It's pretty indiscrete, behind the lanyard loop but it's too bad they have to do that especially to a more harder to find Luger. I guess there is no way to remove the marks without having to touch up the reblueing? I wouldn't think so but what hurts the value mor the import mark or the touched up reblue?

Jim
jeb111 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-25-2022, 12:38 PM   #2
spangy
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
spangy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 606
Thanks: 2,964
Thanked 1,047 Times in 422 Posts
Default

If the import mark bothers you, as it would me, remember that this model Luger exists in many other places 'unmarked'.

I find many times that I have had to practice patience and sure enough my wait pays off.

It is a crying shame that these historic vessels are disfigured by ridiculous laws in many countries.

Happy hunting Jim
__________________
Whoever said that "money can't buy you happiness" never bought a Luger.
WTB - Take Down Lever & Trigger Plate (#90) for an Imperial Artillery.
spangy is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 3 members says Thank You to spangy for your post:
Unread 05-25-2022, 02:12 PM   #3
Edward Tinker
Super Moderator
Eternal Lifer
LugerForum
Patron
 
Edward Tinker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: North of Spokane, WA
Posts: 15,902
Thanks: 1,981
Thanked 4,487 Times in 2,071 Posts
Default

I have found with the influx of SKS / K98's / P1's / P38 / Lugers / M1 carbines / M1 Garands that have been imported into the USA the last 15 yrs. I feel that as time goes forward, a discrete import marking will not affect value as much. But to collectors, it does matter.
Look for other models if it bothers you, or the risk of them Not increasing in value.
Edward Tinker is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-25-2022, 02:43 PM   #4
Mac Cat
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Mac Cat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 665
Thanks: 1,994
Thanked 538 Times in 291 Posts
Default

I won't buy another Luger with an import mark, myself.
I have just one and it's over the serial number on the front of the frame.
I find it very distracting and it wasn't even applied straight or level.

However, I do like the way a few importers (Simpson LTD) are using lasers to etch the required statement in very tiny font, under raised edges that you can't see without looking very closely. It's very subtle.
Mac Cat is offline   Reply With Quote
The following member says Thank You to Mac Cat for your post:
Unread 05-25-2022, 02:56 PM   #5
wlyon
Lifer 2X
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
wlyon's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Somewhere in Montana
Posts: 2,614
Thanks: 3,134
Thanked 2,516 Times in 939 Posts
Default

As to an import mark or a touch up bluing. Both will affect the value. Which the most is up to the collector. I personally would not buy one with either. There are still lots of correct lugers. Just be patient and one will show up. Bill
__________________
Bill Lyon
wlyon is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 4 members says Thank You to wlyon for your post:
Unread 05-25-2022, 03:57 PM   #6
gunbugs
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
gunbugs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska. Home of the best moose.
Posts: 626
Thanks: 332
Thanked 1,106 Times in 370 Posts
Default

If done discreetly, as Simpson's does, then it isn't too bothersome to me. I view it as just another part of the pistol's "history". After all, many pre-war exports were marked"Germany" before they left DWM. I find that equally as bothersome, but it doesn't keep me from buying a gun that I like. Don't worry about "resale value". If you only buy guns that you think will go up in value, then you are buying for the wrong reason, in my opinion. I can look in my safe, and only see guns that I bought because I liked them. Some were "bargains", or at less than what I thought were market value, but that wasn't the deciding factor in their purchase. A discreet import mark is not a deal killer for me.
gunbugs is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 6 members says Thank You to gunbugs for your post:
Unread 05-25-2022, 07:19 PM   #7
jeb111
Patron
LugerForum
Patron
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: wyoming
Posts: 275
Thanks: 676
Thanked 321 Times in 131 Posts
Default

I wasn't looking to buy this Luger, just thought it was kind of a shame that a pistol like a early 37 had a recent import mark applied. If I was in the market for that type of Luger the import mark would put me off. I believe that if there was no import mark it would have sold already as we all know that early 37's are highly sought after. Import marks on some Lugers don't bother me especially early DWM's and I do have several military surplus rifles with indiscrete IM's that don't bother me at all. But I did want opinions on what were the thoughts of removing the marks and doing a touchup blue job and several of you gave the answer I thought.

Jim
jeb111 is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 4 members says Thank You to jeb111 for your post:
Unread 05-25-2022, 08:19 PM   #8
joncon
User
 
Join Date: May 2020
Posts: 30
Thanks: 0
Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts
Default

Is it legal to remove import marks?
joncon is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-25-2022, 10:42 PM   #9
Yakman
User
 
Yakman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Indiana
Posts: 117
Thanks: 872
Thanked 75 Times in 38 Posts
Default

The only thing you cannot remove or alter is the serial number. On a Luger that would be the number on the frame. The frame is the gun.

No, I'm not giving legal advice.

Jack

Last edited by Yakman; 05-27-2022 at 11:20 AM.
Yakman is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 3 members says Thank You to Yakman for your post:
Unread 05-25-2022, 10:55 PM   #10
tomaustin
Lifer X5
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: texas
Posts: 708
Thanks: 87
Thanked 522 Times in 201 Posts
Default

some of the marks I have seen are very bold/deep and not intended to be removed without visible damage................
tomaustin is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-25-2022, 11:43 PM   #11
Edward Tinker
Super Moderator
Eternal Lifer
LugerForum
Patron
 
Edward Tinker's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: North of Spokane, WA
Posts: 15,902
Thanks: 1,981
Thanked 4,487 Times in 2,071 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tomaustin View Post
some of the marks I have seen are very bold/deep and not intended to be removed without visible damage................
That is essentially what it says in the BATF regulations that I once read. I have been surprised at the small, discrete import markings the last 5-10 years. Went counter to what ATF was making importers do during the SKS / AK parts time frame.
Edward Tinker is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-26-2022, 04:14 AM   #12
MikeP
User
 
MikeP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ILL
Posts: 686
Thanks: 36
Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts
Default

Pretty sure it is a violation to remove import marks.
Been discussed in many forums over the years.
No idea of who or how it gets enforced, if ever.
MikeP is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-26-2022, 11:04 AM   #13
DonVoigt
User
 
DonVoigt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: near Charlotte NC
Posts: 4,674
Thanks: 1,435
Thanked 4,341 Times in 2,036 Posts
Default

I would buy a truly rare luger with an import mark ; a common one like a '37 Mauser - no.
As folks have said, there are plenty of others around.
__________________
03man(Don Voigt); Luger student and collector.
Looking for DWM side plate: 69 ; Dreyse 1907 pistol K.S. Gendarmerie
DonVoigt is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 2 members says Thank You to DonVoigt for your post:
Unread 05-26-2022, 03:17 PM   #14
cirelaw
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA
Posts: 12,216
Thanks: 6,209
Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts
Default

A prior discussion on import Marks Value~~ https://www.lugerforums.com/threads/...-marks.121855/
cirelaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-26-2022, 03:24 PM   #15
cirelaw
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA
Posts: 12,216
Thanks: 6,209
Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts
Default

A Great Article On Explaining Markings!!!! https://www.ammoland.com/2013/10/gun...#axzz7UQ4StfEc
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Fine-Luger.jpg
Views:	83
Size:	23.5 KB
ID:	85292  

cirelaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-26-2022, 05:30 PM   #16
MikeP
User
 
MikeP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ILL
Posts: 686
Thanks: 36
Thanked 452 Times in 198 Posts
Default

I am now past acquiring anything.
If I was, I would be picky regarding import marks.
Rare pieces merit thought.
The old mantras about waiting, patience, and chance are wearing thin and merit consideration on their own.
My BYF 41 in 1963 is a different animal in 2022.
MikeP is offline   Reply With Quote
The following member says Thank You to MikeP for your post:
Unread 05-26-2022, 08:47 PM   #17
cirelaw
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: PORT ST LUCIE, FLORIDA
Posts: 12,216
Thanks: 6,209
Thanked 4,133 Times in 2,173 Posts
Default

Mine are all virgins!~
Attached Images
 
cirelaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05-26-2022, 09:59 PM   #18
sheepherder
Lifer
Lifetime Forum
Patron
 
sheepherder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ...on the 'ol Erie Canal...
Posts: 8,180
Thanks: 1,394
Thanked 4,438 Times in 2,327 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gunbugs View Post
I can look in my safe, and only see guns that I bought because I liked them.
+ 1.

This is why I don't consider myself a 'collector'. It doesn't matter if they don't follow a common connection. I just liked them.

(And even if it mattered, it wouldn't matter if it mattered).
__________________
I like my coffee the
way I like my women...
...Cold and bitter...
sheepherder is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 4 members says Thank You to sheepherder for your post:
Unread 05-27-2022, 09:24 AM   #19
Kiwi
User
 
Kiwi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Wrong side of the Delaware river
Posts: 279
Thanks: 184
Thanked 394 Times in 154 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gunbugs View Post
I can look in my safe, and only see guns that I bought because I liked them.



Quote:
Originally Posted by sheepherder View Post
+ 1.

This is why I don't consider myself a 'collector'. It doesn't matter if they don't follow a common connection. I just liked them.

(And even if it mattered, it wouldn't matter if it mattered).
+ 2.
Kiwi is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 4 members says Thank You to Kiwi for your post:
Unread 05-27-2022, 12:47 PM   #20
Yakman
User
 
Yakman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Indiana
Posts: 117
Thanks: 872
Thanked 75 Times in 38 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeP View Post
Pretty sure it is a violation to remove import marks.
Been discussed in many forums over the years.
No idea of who or how it gets enforced, if ever.
If it were illegal to remove an import mark, it would seem one could not remove and replace a barrel, for example, if the mark were placed on that barrel.

Jack
Yakman is offline   Reply With Quote
The following 4 members says Thank You to Yakman for your post:
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright © 1998 - 2023, Lugerforum.com