I noticed that many 3rd generation Smith autos have 'Marcas Registradas' imprinted under the 'Made in USA'

What does this symbolize? thanks!

Doug

I noticed that many 3rd generation Smith autos have 'Marcas Registradas' imprinted under the 'Made in USA'

What does this symbolize? thanks!

Doug

Traditionally, S&W put the "MARCAS REGISTRADAS" on it's revolvers to show that it was a genuine S&W and was a trade marked product. This was especially important for the Latin American market where S&W revolvers were constantly in high demand for several generations. Cheap cosmetic copies made in Spain or Belgium flooded the south America and were often promoted as real S&W products.

There is no really good reason for S&W auto pistols to carry these markings except that they are identified with "real" S&W products.

It offically became part of the S&W address line around 1946 for the reasons stated by John Traveler... and it has stuck ever since.

__________________
Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

I believe (I am not fluent in Spanish) that it is Spanish for what we normally say in English thus: "Trade Mark Registered," and this language was put on all S&Ws as a result of a World Court decision to protect S&Ws trademarks from foreign infringement.