FN Browning M1903 Swedish Contract 9mm Long .380 ACP Semi Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 211219AM08
Make: Fabrique Nationale
Model: Browning 1903 Swedish Contract
Serial Number: 4485
Year of Manufacture: 1907-1914
Caliber: The matching barrel is chambered for .380 ACP, An additional barrel is included chambered for 9x20mm Browning Long
Action Type: Blowback Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE-NATIONALE-D’ARMES de GUERRE, HERSTAL-BELGIQUE.”, “BROWNING’S PATENT”, “DEPOSE.”, “lion / P.V” proof, “* / AR” inspection mark, and a perron. The bottom rear of the slide is marked “4485”, a Crown, “X”, “V” in a box, and “o” in a circle. The right side of the chamber is marked with a “lion / P.V” proof, “crown / R” proof, “* / AR” inspectors mark, a perron, and a crowned ovalled “E / LG / *” proof mark, the bottom of the chamber is marked “4485”, a boxed “V”, and a crown. The right side of the barrel bushing is marked “573” and the front is marked with a small crown. The left side of the frame is marked “I9 No5”, “CAL380”, “lion / P.V” proof mark, “* / AR” inspector’s mark, and a perron. The left trigger guard bow is marked with a boxed “V” and “6”. The left side of the trigger is marked with a crown and “4485”. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number “4485”. The right trigger guard bow is marked with a boxed “V” and “D”. The top of the frame is marked with the serial number, a crown, and a boxed “V”. The back of the frame is marked with a Swedish Crown military acceptance, “H.C.” inspecting officer mark, and “C.J.” Armorer mark.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch leaf dovetail to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered horn panels with the FN logo in an oval at the top. The left panel is relieved for the lanyard ring. Both panels show discoloration from age and crazing. There are two small worm holes along the bottom edge of the right panel. There is a smooth rub in the checkering of the right panel at the bottom front corner. The checkering is otherwise defined. There are nicks and scratches on both panels. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. The additional barrel bore is in similar condition.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There is thinning on all leading edges. There are dispersed light nicks and scratches throughout the metal surfaces, some of the most notable are on the top of the slide and the back strap. There is holster wear at the front of the slide. The top of the slide shows scattered faint pitting. There is standard operational wear. The slide serrations are sharp. The screw head and pins show minor tool markings. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is minor play between the slide and frame. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the previously mentioned barrel as well as a brown leather holster and three 7-round magazines. Each mag shows thinning and light erosion with intact lips and strong springs.
Our Assessment: The FN factory produced a total run of 58,442 model 1903 pistols, all in caliber 9mm Browning Long, which was the smallest production run of any FN Browning Pistol. Manufacture began in 1907 and was stopped at the beginning of WWI in 1914. Production would begin again in 1919 and would eventually cease indefinitely in 1927. In the period between 1903-1904, the Swedish government conducted trials for the adoption of a pistol and the M1903 was chosen over seven other pistols that were tried. A document dated June 11, 1907 shows an order from Sweden for 9,000 pistols. This example is No. 4485. It is in about Very Good condition, retaining approximately 80% of its original finish. It comes with an additional barrel, brown leather holster, and three magazines. This pistol would make a great addition to an FN Browning collection. Please see our photos and good luck!