Foreign proof marks ?

[John1125]

I see when I look at GB there is a seller that has lots of S&W revolvers in the age group that I like . They have foreign proof marks and are in what appears to be pretty decent shape .


I am not bashing that seller or any other , they can sell what ever they like . But I do have some questions , first of all - did smith export that many revolvers , why were they marked and how did they come back into this country in that good of shape ?

Are these revolvers worth the same money as one that is not ?
I personally have no interest in a gun with these marks when compared to one that does not. And that is my opinion only , again people have the freedom to sell any gun they choose.

Kirk

 

[steelslaver]

In the pre gotta have a semi auto they probably did expot quite a few. Plus, during the day the wars. Some guns are probably worth more with the right proofs

 

[EricR]

Just adding my two cents only because I think I know which seller you're referring to. Is it 1eininc? If so, I've met a local connection to this person whom I believe resides in FL. I met a dealer near where I live, not Florida, and he was either related to or was handling a transaction for a person who is related to this GB dealer. Long story short this local dealer showed me the Model 27 he was holding for a transfer he was handling. It made me drool. I'm saying that this particular dealer has fantastic condition weapons, Smith revolvers and far beyond. He supposedly took possession of a European retailer. But his stuff is certainly not bargain priced. But based on the example I held his stuff is honestly described, it's fantastic.

 

[John1125]

Just adding my two cents only because I think I know which seller you're referring to. Is it 1eininc? If so, I've met a local connection to this person whom I believe resides in FL. I met a dealer near where I live, not Florida, and he was either related to or was handling a transaction for a person who is related to this GB dealer. Long story short this local dealer showed me the Model 27 he was holding for a transfer he was handling. It made me drool. I'm saying that this particular dealer has fantastic condition weapons, Smith revolvers and far beyond. He supposedly took possession of a European retailer. But his stuff is certainly not bargain priced. But based on the example I held his stuff is honestly described, it's fantastic.

yep that is him and like you said the stuff looks great and he does a bunch and I mean a bunch .


Another question that comes to mind is this stuff import marked ?

I don't see the import marks in the pics of his smith revolvers and am wondering if that rule applies to stuff like this ?

Kirk

 

[huntandfishguy63]

When I'm looking at GB I find myself checking out the model 17's he has listed. Maybe one day.

 

[John1125]

I just looked again a listing and it does say firearms may have foreign proofs and import marks ......

 

[Bumpus13]

Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed his listings. VERY nice guns. He’s also VERY proud of them judging by his pricing.

I’ll keep looking.

 

[Absalom]

The proofs I can see appear to be German proofs. There is a fairly robust if somewhat legally limited market for high-quality guns in Germany, and since opportunities to shoot or (heaven forbid!) carry are limited, guns acquired there are generally in very good condition. They are also reasonably priced over there since the customer base is limited and the market is competitive, so he likely has a source for high-condition guns there. Nothing I‘d find surprising. Since these were originally US made, I am not sure how the import marking requirement works on these.

 

[mm93]

I can only speak for myself, but I love guns with history, or unique provenance. So a gun with proof marks from a foreign country would be an interesting thing that I'd rather have than the same model without them.
Very few guns reveal where they've been in their life, so having these foreign proof marks adds to the gun's history for me.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I follow his Model 36s. He usually has a fair few with German proofs. Generally 3" models, both Models 36 and 36-1.

Always thought it would be interesting to have one of each proofed by the six German proof houses. So far I believe I've only seen three different proof houses, and they're spendy.

 

[EricR]

Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed his listings. VERY nice guns. He’s also VERY proud of them judging by his pricing.

I’ll keep looking.

I'll admit that about a year ago I was ready to purchase a Model 18 from him. Don't recall if it was a dash 3 or 4. He had several and they were minty. Then by dumb luck I found a 18-4, as new with box, at a local pawn shop. Still top dollar but I bought it.

 

[Skwirl]

I've also noticed this seller.
Pricing is always on the upper end, or stretching it.
The question I have is, are the import Mark's a detriment to value?

 

[old bear]

The question I have is, are the import Mark's a detriment to value?

Generally hardcore collectors want products that have not been marked or altered other than by the factory. Like everything there are exceptions; I recently sold a rare model 19 – P that had very small German proof marks, that were not obvious unless you knew where to look for them. In my case it did not effect the price.

 

[LVSteve]

Foreign proofs are just part of a guns wanderings around the world. As a milsurp collector they add a little something for me. Now if getting one involved a nasty import billboard, maybe not so much.

 

[leftyk82]

A few years back I was searching for a Smith I didn't have; a 4" 629 no dash. By happenstance, I came across one with German proofs that included the Jinks letter. The letter stated it left the factory on my wife's birthday (neat) bound for Germany (double neat, as I have family in Germany). It was in great shape and as there aren't too many 4" 629 no dash's out there..........the letter and German proofs added value to me.

I have a thread with pic's attached.