333333 C.S. Frost Fabrique Nationale Hi-Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1776.33
LSB#: 210129DW03
Make: FN in Belgium
Model: Hi Power C.S. Frost Presentation Pistol
Serial Number: 333333
Year of Manufacture: Late 1940s-1968 (K Belgian Controller Proof)
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine, Thumb Safety, & Magazine Disconnect Safety
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PRESENTED TO C.S. FROST. / By FABRIQUE NATIONALE LIEGE.”. The barrel is marked “333333″. The right side of the frame is marked “333333” and has proofs on the bow of the trigger guard including the “* / K” controller proof. There are inspection marks on the butt of the grip frame. The left side of the hammer is marked “II”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated inverted “V” blade dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch integral to a rise at the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood with smooth borders. There is a small crack on the top rear corner of the right panel. There are only a few minor compressions on the smooth borders and the checkering is strong. The grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. The action has minor operational wear. The slide has a plum hue. There is a light mark on the left of the slide from takedown. There are a few little marks into the finish, some of the most noticeable are on the right side of the slide in front of the port. There are a few little spots of thinning on the backstrap at the bottom. There is thinning on the edges. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect functions properly. The trigger is crisp. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a black Browning zipper case and a single 13-round magazine. The Browning marking on the case has light wear, otherwise there are only some light handling marks, in about Excellent condition. The magazine has minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine condition. Please note, no magazine will be included for purchasers who reside where it cannot be legally transferred.
Our Assessment: The Browning High Power pistol is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. The Hi-Power is one of the most widely utilized military pistols in history, having been used by the armed forces of over 50 countries. The Hi Power name didn’t refer to the cartridge, but to its 13 round magazine, holding five more than the Luger and six more than the Colt 1911. Its magazine capacity and ergonomic grip frame have made it a favorite among civilian shooters as a carry pistol and for home defense. The High Power was adopted by the Belgian military and the early pistols were equipped with a tangent rear sight and a grip that was slotted for a wooden stock. This is a later commercial model that has a special serial number and is addressed to C.S. Frost who we wish we had more information on. This is an interesting pistol with a neat serial number, and as always its hard to argue with the Hi Power! Please see our photos and good luck!