Will export gun marks devalue a revolver?

A

AID_Admin

New member
Hello guys... just a general question here. I came across an interesting trade where I can obtain a blue Colt Python from 70's in decent condition, but not mint or unfired. The gun, however, has a German import marks on the side of the frame. My question is: will these marks devalue the gun significantly? Due to an average condition this is not a highly collectable item, but I would assume this gun still worth about $1500 without these marks. Would it be much less because of them? Thanks.

On the separate note I can get it with original Colt stocks in good condition or pay $200 less and get it with Hogue grip. I know original stocks worth some extra, but is it make sense to add $200 for them? Thanks.
 
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Hard to say, but it could also increase it's value if it was done tastefully and you had a Colt letter stating that it was exported to Germany to whomever the importer was that is shown on the revolver.
 
For me, it would lower the amount I'd pay for the thing. In fact, I hate the look of those marks so much that I wouldn't buy one.

If you're considering buying then flipping it, I have no opinion on that. I don't ever buy a gun with the intent to sell at a profit or otherwise.


Sgt Lumpy
 
I am not even considering "to buy it" period. This is a trade deal when I will have to add some cash. Therefore I need to have an understanding of the basic value of the gun. If these marks affect the value "somewhat, but not significant", I don't care as I am buying it to shoot it. But if they affect the value significantly, perhaps I should reconsider, because if I don't like the gun and want to sell it later, I don't want to be loosing too much money. I hope this clears the "flipping" part of the statement. Thanks.
 
Model 686s are frequent on GunBroker with import marks. Less so without. Perhaps you could cruise through there and compare. I think when I did that last, it seemed the import mark guns were 100-200 LESS than the virgins.


Sgt Lumpy
 
Anyone know where those 686's are coming from that have import marks?

I see no real problem with after-factory marks; proof marks are required by law in many countries, and to say, like Sgt Lumpy, that you will never own a gun with proof marks is to cut yourself off from all European guns and some from other countries. The same is true with US import marks; they are going to be on all milsurp guns in one form or another, and I, for one, have no problem with them. For those who do, it is simply another area of gun interest closed off.

Jim
 
Thanks for all the responses so far. It seems that it's not the value that is affected so mach as number of potential buyers... Just in case it matters here is a shot of the marks. There are three (or four?) on the frame and one on the barrel...

Python_marks.jpg
 
In fact, I hate the look of those marks so much that I wouldn't buy one.
Click to expand...

Really?! My Sig as well as many others have German proof marks on both the slide and frame, I actually prefer them over an American made Sig without them. I hope more people share your sentiment, that way I can find more German made Sig's for myself!
 
AID_Admin - I can't tell you what other people might think of them, but I think those marks add some character to the revolver.

If you had 2 Pythons side-by-side, one with the marks and one without, I'd take the one that had been 'defaced'.
 
The marks, like those shown in the pic of the bbl and frame of AID's pics above, are not the one's I'm talking about.

I'm talking about those on the side of the bbl after the US gun was exported then re-imported. Like this 681 -
pix172081699.jpg


I simply don't like it. No matter how much it costs. I also don't like pink guns, hydro dipped guns, billboards, engraved gun competitor's name or intials, or guns with flames or Hello Kitty painted on them.


Sgt Lumpy
 
My 'Canadian' GP-100 3 incher has import marks.

attachment.php


Yes, CAI. But while in 'may' hurt it's value the gun is so tight and shoots so well it is a keeper.

Deaf
 
Those are technically not import markings but are proof marks. The eagle over N is a nitro proof, from Ulm. The hatched shield indicates the Munich proof house. One looks like an "@" and the other is the year of proof in a shield, which is 70? Closer pic might be helpful using the macro mode on your camera.
 
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From my observations a Smith & Wesson M1917 or similar revolver with British proof marks will bring less than a US marked gun of equal condition. And usually military revovlers will bring slightly less than commercial versions, all things being equal.

Bob Wright
 
Import markings, esp in the case of a Python, lower the value, unless the gun is a shooter anyways. Some would say the import marks regulate the gun to the "shooter" category automatically. When you have a modern commercial gun, many people, right or wrong, would rather not have the "extra markings" because they serve no purpose at this point (assuming a US citizen seller and buyer) and they're often ugly, and sometimes even FUGLY. Of course, some may not care about such marks. I personally avoid import marked guns. In some cases, such as historic instances, I think its ok, but in the case of a modern revolver, I would rather not have such markings on *my* revolver.

The irony here is that the subject gun is a Python, a gun which has legendary aesthetic qualities, to the point where some say that it is the pinnacle of DA revolvers, in terms of aesthetics. Because of this, since its a Python, such markings are even more, how do you say, um...detracting, distasteful, or digusting? :confused:
 
On the separate note I can get it with original Colt stocks in good condition or pay $200 less and get it with Hogue grip. I know original stocks worth some extra, but is it make sense to add $200 for them? Thanks.
Click to expand...

It would depend on which ones are on the revolver. If they're mint, and wood, and the real deal (fakes/repros come from China) then it almost does't matter since any of them are worth $200 IMO. Early Python stocks are full checkered, then came the checkering pattern which arcs with the medallion, then came the later straight cut style. In the 1980s, they were rubber with Colt medallions. I'm not sure what those are worth.
 
The marks are from Germany, Munich and indeed from 1970. The gun is definitely a shooter. While it seems to be in good condition, it does have some slight wear on the blue and a few minor scratches here and there. My total investment without original stocks would be just a hair north of $1K, if I choose to keep stocks, I have to add another $200. It's a local trade, so I get to check the gun out before I commit... That's as much as I know...

Python_stocks.jpg
 
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