Import marks on M52’s?

[Arman4461]

I am sure that there is a story regarding the model 52’s that I see with import marks, perhaps someone could enlighten me?
I wonder why a 52 would be sent overseas and decades later be returned to the U.S.
Thanks for any help on figuring this out.
Arman

 

[BigBoy99]

Many years ago, perhaps the Model 52s were sold in the US Military Exchanges to GIs who were stationed abroad, i.e Germany. Upon the completion of the GIs tour, he sold the Model 52 to a local who wanted a nice target pistol. For some reason, the gun left the possession of the individual for any number of reasons, he passed away, gun was stolen, new law prevented ownership, etc. The gun then found it way to some large European firearms dealer and in a batch of guns being sold to the US. When the guns arrived in the US, they had to have importer information stamped on the gun.

 

[mikemyers]

Can I ask what "import marks" look like? Where on the gun might they be found?

 

[Arman4461]

Import marks

German Eagle nitro proof marks were on the one example I saw. They were on the slide and frame, and the importer's name was stamped on the lip of the mag well.

 

[BigBoy99]

Can I ask what "import marks" look like? Where on the gun might they be found?

When the BATF requirement that imported gun have the importer's name and adresss on them went into effect, there were no "instructions" from the BATF as to where the marks were to be placed. So the importers stamped/engraved their informtion where they wanted - Some times on the barrel, some times the slide or on the frame.

Since some guns had bad barrels and could be replaced, the importer information was lost when the gun was rebarreled. The BATF now requires the importer information be put on the frame/receiver only.