Proof or Import Marks and their value on guns

[nipster]

Lots of wartime guns like 1917's and Victories may have received proof or import marks, in some cases maybe several.

A general question I have is, what, if any effect do they have on a weapon's value.

I ran into a possible deal on 38 S&W victories, but was unsure about the import markings and the effects they have on the guns. Positive or Negative

Also, is there a source for the lanyard ring for these? they were both removed at some point.

 

[Oyeboteb]

Conspicuous Post 1968 GCA compliant 'Import Marks' are a mood killer for me.

Discrete ones I could live with I s'pose.

But, so far, I have 'passed' every time on varous old Guns which had the 'Import Marks', when otherwise I may have or would have bought if it had not had them.

 

[nipster]

I am referring to WW1 and WW2 era import marks of other countries, like this:

 

[Dragon88]

There is no one right answer, it depends on the gun, the markings, and the story. For example there are many examples of Lend-Lease Victory revolvers with British markings on them. These fill a different niche in a collectors stable, but have their own interesting story. There are many M1 Carbines with "BAVARIA RURAL POLICE" markings. Again, not a bad thing by itself, it just changes the story of the gun and the collectors who might be interested.

Rechambering is another big concern with guns that went overseas. Keep that in mind when looking at guns with foreign markings.

On the other hand, something ugly, like "WHATEVER IMPORTS LAS VEGAS NV" stamped in large letters on the side of a revolver just looks plain ugly to me, and reduces value. I probably wouldn't even buy a Smith with such an ugly marking clearly visible. Blue Sky Garands are also much less desirable to me than unmolested and clean CMP guns. To each his own.

 

[nipster]

On the other hand, something ugly, like "WHATEVER IMPORTS LAS VEGAS NV" stamped in large letters on the side of a revolver just looks plain ugly to me, and reduces value. I probably wouldn't even buy a Smith with such an ugly marking clearly visible. Blue Sky Garands are also much less desirable to me than unmolested and clean CMP guns. To each his own.

Yea, I am with you on that, there is those "C.A.I., Georgia, VT" markings on a lot of recently imported guns from Century Arms.

 

[i1afli]

A lot of the stamps aren't import stamps but identification stamps (like a particular unit...common on British guns) or proof stamps from being test fired, also common on British guns, like the BNP stamp often see on British Victorys. In some cases these can add value because it shows provenance.

As for the lanyard rings i bought a couple off of ebay..supposedly originals. I had to drill out the butt of a Victory were the hole had been filled in when it went into civilian duty.

BTW, newbie here...great forum.

 

[nipster]

A lot of the stamps aren't import stamps but identification stamps (like a particular unit...common on British guns) or proof stamps from being test fired, also common on British guns, like the BNP stamp often see on British Victorys. In some cases these can add value because it shows provenance.

As for the lanyard rings i bought a couple off of ebay..supposedly originals. I had to drill out the butt of a Victory were the hole had been filled in when it went into civilian duty.

BTW, newbie here...great forum.

The hole is in the grips and butt, just looks like someone removed them at some point, for some reason

 

[Oyeboteb]

I am referring to WW1 and WW2 era import marks of other countries, like this:

Oh! Sorry...those I like, they are fine with me, and a respectile part of the Gun's History. Far as if they effect 'value', I dunno - or, far as I can tell, it is more like that they distinguish those Arms which were stamped that way, from those which were not.

 

[Hondo44]

Most import marked guns, import/export or unit marked guns, like Victory models per your examples, or 455 hand ejecters, 1917s, etc., are also military guns contracted for by other countries, i.e., England , Canada and Australia. Military guns are cross collectibles; by gun collectors in general and also by military collectors of guns and everything else military.

So for them appropriate markings on unmolested guns do not detract from value whatsoever. Nor do they detract for anyone else who appreciates them. If there is any devaluation at all, it's only possibly due to a smaller market for them IMO.

Lanyard rings: Poppert's Parts or Numrich. Just google.

 

[opoefc]

Nipster, The mark you pictured is not an import stamp. It's a military proof/acceptance stamp, and adds authenticity to the gun, proving it's military history. Import stamps are those applied to weapons imported after the 1968 Gun Control Act, by US dealers. The stamps can be conspicuous or hidden, and thinking is mixed on what effect the have on values. Ed.

 

[2152hq]

The mark shown looks like a Birmingham Proof House date code stamp.
It's just part of the firearms history of use and where it's been.
(Proofed at Birmingham Proof House 1956, Proof Inspector #3)

The Importers Markings that became necessary as of 1986 when the Gov'ment again allowed Military surplus firearms to be imported to the USA seem to have an effect on the price of collectibles.
Some of the markings can be very discrete,,almost invisible w/o the aid of magnification. A further tweaking of the law demanded that the mark be of certain size lettering, be above the wood or grip line, ect. Some are so big as to be known as 'billboards'.
Having a choice of two arms, one with,,one without any import marks,,the one without gets sold first. So the demand being what it is for them,,they are usually priced higher.
Sporting arms, used guns included, must also be marked with an import mark the same as the Military surplus arms as of the 1986 law.
Many of the sporting firearms end up with their markings concealed somewhat. Not that they have any special rule to fly by. They're usually one-of imports or small lot imports. Under the forend on the barrel of double bbl'd shotguns is a favorite place.