How much interest is there out there for SIG SAUER factory letters, like Smith & Wesson and Colt deliver? The challenge here is how far back can you go? I’d think SIG pistols like the P220 and P226 are probable since the current company likely has access to those records dating back to the 1980’s. The Swiss SIG and JP Sauer and Sohn records could be much more challenging, if possible at all.

What does this forum think about this? Forgive me if this has been brought up before. I have been a SIG SAUER fan for over 40 years and a member of this forum for over 20, and I’m in the process of obtaining factory letters for what I have in my collection, hence the question.

Not going to happen. “Our records don’t go back before 2005” is their standard company line.

Yes, that’s what I’ve found as well. However, if they could open it up to imported pistols and even JP Sauer and Sohns long guns and Swiss SIG firearms, would that be of interest to collectors?

I’ve been researching this and the S&W story concerning historical documents is quite interesting. Roy Jinks had to claim the physical records before they were lost and then created the ability to create factory letters with real provenance. I’m wondering if this access is possible with the founding brands that SIG SAUER lays a lineage claim to back to 1853.

Not going to happen. I don’t see any huge demand. There’s no money to be made from the effort. SIG doesn’t care.

There is money to be made from the effort, depending on pricing. Most firearm manufacturers offer this service. What makes you so sure it’s a non-starter? I’d like to see other members chime in on this topic.

I’m well aware that Colt and S&W have actual historians whose responsibility is researching and providing official letters for a fee. SIG? They don’t care.

This has been discussed several times over the years. SIG USA has the ability to access old records. Several of us were helped with verifications/confirmations by employees who were willing to dig. These good folks are no longer there. All these were unofficial. There were no “factory letters”, just email communications. If you’re lucky to know someone currently there who has the ability to access old records and is willing to help, be thankful. But, officially, their BS line is “Our records don’t go back before 2005”. So yes, they don’t want to waste their time on these small potatoes.

Yeah as Q is saying that old line is the standard today. Years ago you would get that line then call back the next day and get an old timer who knew how to access the old data base as they described it to me and then provide you with the info you wanted.
I am sure it got to be time consuming but for many of us it was helpful to know how your gun was configured and when it left Sig.
It may of been time consuming but I tried to make the choice to spend money in Sigs direction instead of using other vendors.
I haven’t needed to deal with Sig customer service but back in the day when it was run by the female who's name escapes me now sure ran the department different then the stories I have since they got her out of that position. She made things right.

^^^ Victoria

Thats it! Thanks

Appreciate the insights folks. I’m inclined to never say never however that appears to be current state on that front.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
^^^ Victoria

I had a few phone conversations with her over the years, great customer service. Those were the days!

Are there any Private Historians able to assist. I need help with a 1995 P228 for authenticity.

I’m just an amateur, but what authenticity do you need?