Questions about Pre 1957 German Proofed K38's

[02-fatboy]

Hello all. I just purchased a K38. I was told the gun is prior to 1957. I saw some pictures prior to purchase but they were not super high resolution. After purchasing the gun the owner told me it had German proof marks. Waiting for the gun to arrive, but why would a gun like this have such proof marks? Does it affect the value? I can't imagine this gun would have ever been used for war??

If I could please get some more understanding on the subject it would be greatly appreciated. The gun will be here sometime this week so no pictures until then. Sorry.

 

[arjay]

It was imported into Germany at some point and probably belonged to a target/bullseye shooter.

 

[Engine49guy]

The "proof" marks just indicate the gun passed a test and is capable of firing modern powder.
If you google it there is a ton of info on the net.

 

[Art Doc]

The problem with most European proof marks is that they are numerous and usually stamped all over the exterior. Some people find them annoying and think they mar the finish. Others may seek them and collect them. If you want to shoot the gun they don't hurt anything and become conversation starters.

 

[Skeetr57]

European proof marks, especially British proof marks indicate much more than just that the gun is capable of using modern powder. Guns shipped into Germany for sale weren't necessarily proofed and marked unless they were being sold on the German economy. I bought a number of new US made guns while I was stationed in Germany, and none had German proof marks, yet a German shooting friend ordered a Remington 40X target rifle in .222 Remington caliber, and quite a tussle with the proof house because it had a tighter chamber than the specs called for. I have also seen 12 gauge shotguns that were originally stamped " For 3 in. or shorter shells" with the "or shorter" xed out by the proof house. I have also seen German rifles which had proof marks that included the bore size, weight and material of bullet and type and weight of powder charge.

 

[02-fatboy]

Thanks for all the input. So why is it that that the few k38's I've seen with german proof marks seem to sell for more than non proof marked guns???? I would think this shouldn't affect the value of the gun if everything stated here is true? Unless of course someone collects them???

 

[Art Doc]

There are guys who collect everything. Someone who collects foreign market guns will pay a premium for them. Like a pistol with a police agency stamped on it. Somewhere there's a guy collecting those...

 

[02-fatboy]

Yeah its cool to have stuff to collect. I just can't justify paying premiums for stuff just because everyone else wants it.

I sat down with a really great gunsmith today. I learned a lot and was amazed to know he's only lived 10 minutes from my house all this time.

After watching him look at my guns I was truly in awe. It was amazing how much of a story he could tell me about my guns, just based on the wear marks, type of gun they were and the parts that had been changed or things that had been done to my guns by the previous owner. I was truly impressed. I can't wait to get my Browning Hi power and my Colt mid range back.