17-1 with german proofmarking?

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sbowenjr

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Good morning, I am curious about a 17-1 i have been watching. Can't say to much about it. Looks to be about 95% with box and papers. Price seems fair but it has German proof markings on the top. Does that kill value? I mostly watch 19's I don't think I have seen a 17-1 come up so I am ignorant about them. Thanks in advance for the help.
 

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Doesn't kill in my opinion,though I imagine that some collectors would prefer one without it.
 
Several threads here about this. Personally, I would judge the value by the gun's overall condition and not the German proofmarks, and value it accordingly.
 
I have a Model 19 and a Model 25, both with German proofs, that I purchased from the Grafenwöhr Rod & Gun Club. Like with many GIs, they came home on an ATF Form 6a. They will likely be sold by my estate to confuse collectors in the (hopefully) distant future.
 
Model 16-3 With West German Proof Marks

I have a somewhat scarce Model 16-3 with 1972 West German Proof Marks. I did letter the gun which confirmed the proof marks.
A Model 17-1 is quite scarce itself being a dash 1. I would definitely attempt to buy it. I personally think that having the proof marks add some interest to the gun as it has traveled overseas and back, and combined with the dash 1 configuration would make a nice addition to one's collection.
 
Can't help with the "value Question".

But here (I posted it elsewhere) a few videos about "C.I.P. proofing"
from the C. I. P. Homepage

http://www.cip-bobp.org/epreuves video

For us S&W Fans perhaps the most interesting

3.Video: Proof firing a M 686+

6.Video: Visual inspection and check the M 686+ after proof firing
Here you can see how the proof marks are stamped on Cylinder, Frame and Barrel

8.Video: Failures at Proof
At the end of the vid: A "split in halves" 5 shot Cylinder !
Better it split in the proofhouse than in our hands...

P.44
 
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Wouldn't worry about the German proofs. I have a very nice 19-3 that I bought from a US dealer who imported it. If you buy from a US importer, they will need to place their identification on the gun somewhere. Federal law I believe. Mine is laser etched, small and very faint so does not affect the look at all in my opinion.

I traced mine back to a German sporting goods shop in Frankfurt in the '70's. Im guessing Smith sold many guns to German shops at the time. The German proof marks are well done and may even add a little cosmopolitan value. :-) They remind me somewhat of the Luger proofs, which certainly don't have a negative effect on those guns.
 
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