Sometimes it works out. A week or so ago a like new blued S&W Model 59 came up for sale at a site I regularly visit. The price was more than fair, but I dithered and someone else bought it.
A couple days later a S&W Model 659 shows up on the same site at an even better price. I will be picking that one up at my favorite FFL very soon.
I do not believe in cosmic coincidences, but I am happy to have them. If I had prchased the 59, I would not have purchased the 659 that I want even more.
The site is Simpson LTD, and they sell a great many consignment guns from Europe. The seller sets the price and sometimes the price seems like a very good value.
German proof marks do not bother me.