FN Browning Hi-Power Centennial 9mm Nickel Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1978
SOLD FOR: $3225
LSB#: 220409PK017
Make: Browning, Made by FN in Belgium
Model: Hi-Power Centennial 1878-1978
Serial Number: 1878D-0781
Year of Manufacture: 1978
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 “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM”. The right side of the slide is marked “BROWNING CENTENNIAL / 1878-1978”. The barrel is marked “CAL. 9m/mP.”. The right side of the barrel lug is marked with a “* / M” inspector’s mark and a proof mark. The left side of the barrel lug has a few poorly struck factory markings. The bottom flat of the firing pin housing is marked with the “* / M” inspector’s mark, a proof mark, and a few other small factory markings. The front strap is marked “1878D-0781”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked with a Belgian proof.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with Browning “B” medallions at their tops. The grips show nothing in the way of wear or imperfections. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel with Gold Toned Trigger
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 98% of its metal finish. There is a thin scratch on the right side of the barrel. There are faint swirls throughout. There are some light handling marks on the grip straps. There is hardly any operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect functions properly. The trigger breaks 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 in a wooden case with internal felt lining and a plaque on the top that reads “BROWNING CENTENNIAL” between “1878” and “1978” and includes a single 13-round nickel magazine. The case shows light storage marks and rates in about Fine-Excellent condition. The magazine shows very faint operational wear and rates in about Fine-Excellent condition. Please note, no magazine will be included for purchasers who reside where it cannot be legally transferred.
Our Assessment: This is a Centennial Browning Hi-Power manufactured in 1978 and finished with nickel and a gold-toned trigger. Just 3,500 of these beautiful pistols were manufactured. This eye-catching pistol is in about Fine-Excellent condition with hardly a mark, truly a beautiful piece. These are well-built pistols that are good for self-defense as well as target shooting at the range, though this one in particular would be better suited for a High Power collection. And for all you CA residents, this one is private party transferable! Please see our photos and good luck!