FN Browning Hi-Power Centennial 9mm 4.7” Semi Auto Pistol, 1978 C&R OK
SOLD FOR: $2,375.00
LSB#: LSB250822BL094
Make: FN Herstal/Browning
Model: Hi-Power Browning Centennial
Serial#: 1878D-1756
Year of Manufacture: 1978 / ATF C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Exposed Hammer Single Action with Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked, “BROWNING CENTENNIAL 1878-1978”. The left side of the slide has the Browning rollmark and, “MADE IN BELGIUM”. The front strap of the grip frame has the serial number, “1878D-1756”. THe barrel is marked, “CAL. 9m/mP”. There are small Belgian proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 4.7”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade staked to the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the slide.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes 1 x chrome plated 13 round magazine in Excellent Condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece checkered walnut panels with Browning medallions. There is no notable wear. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Polished Hard Chrome
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10 and appears unfired outside factory testing.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks and hairline scratches throughout. The screw heads are sharp, the markings are clear. Overall the pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Wooden display case w/ red interior, 1x magazine.
Our Assessment: This FN Browning Hi-Power Centennial is a rare and striking commemorative pistol honoring 100 years of the Browning brand—from 1878 to 1978—executed in high polish hard chrome and produced in limited quantities for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Manufactured by Fabrique Nationale in Belgium and chambered in 9mm Luger, this 1978 example represents both a functional sidearm and a celebration of Browning’s enduring legacy. The commemorative rollmark on the right slide, paired with traditional Browning markings on the left, reinforce the pistol’s dual role as both shooter and showpiece. The bright chrome finish, paired with deeply checkered walnut grips featuring Browning medallions, offers visual impact as well as preservation against wear. Mechanically, the pistol maintains the classic Hi-Power architecture: single-action trigger, 4.7-inch barrel, 13-round capacity, and the same robust tilting-barrel design that made it a staple of military and police forces across the globe. The bore is pristine, with bright rifling and no erosion, rated 10/10 and appearing unfired beyond factory proofing. The included 13-round chrome-plated magazine matches the presentation-grade aesthetic and functions as intended. The fit and finish across the pistol are excellent, with 99% of the original chrome finish remaining and only the most minor handling marks present. The action locks up tight and the internal surfaces are exceptionally clean.
Offered in its original wooden display case with red velvet-style interior, this Hi-Power Centennial stands out as both a collector’s prize and a high-performance pistol. Whether added to a display of historic Browning models, set aside as a safe queen, or appreciated for its commemorative significance and superior condition, this is a unique and timeless celebration of one of the most iconic handgun designs ever made. -R.E.
