Austrian Contract LGK-OÖ FN Hi-Power 9mm 4.7” Semi Auto Pistol, 1950s
SOLD FOR: $1,126.00
LSB#: LSB250930TS032
Make: FN Herstal, Belgium Contracted for Austria
Model: Hi-Power
Serial#: 4770
Year of Manufacture: 1949 – 1959 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short Recoil Tilting Lock Pistol, Exposed Hammer Single Action with Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE” with Belgian proofs throughout. The right side of the frame is marked with the serial number, “4770” and an import mark. The front strap of the frame is marked, “LGK OÖ 1206” (Landesgendarmeriekommando für Oberösterreich). All serialized parts are matched. There are several Belgian proofs throughout. The magazine is matched, “LGK Sb 0051”.
Barrel Length: 4.7”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed to the slide.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 2x 13rd magazines in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece checkered walnut panels with red interiors screwed to the frame. There are light scratches throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Polished Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks and thinning throughout with light wear to the leading edges. There is light spots of patina. The action has minimal wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tooled, the markings are clear. Overall the pistol is in Very Good 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: 2x Magazines.
Our Assessment: The FN Hi-Power enjoyed wide international adoption in the postwar decades, and Austria was among the nations that contracted for these highly regarded pistols during the 1950s. Built at FN Herstal in Belgium, this example represents the classic early postwar configuration, retaining the elegant polished blue finish, internal extractor, and fine machining that characterized FN’s production during this period. The LGK OÖ marking on the front strap identifies it as property of the Landesgendarmeriekommando für Oberösterreich, the provincial gendarmerie headquarters of Upper Austria. These Austrian-marked Hi-Powers served as reliable duty sidearms for years, and surviving examples offer a compelling historical link to early Cold War European policing and security work. Chambered in 9mm Luger, a cartridge dating back to 1902, the Hi-Power provided excellent capacity and controllability thanks to its pioneering double-stack magazine design. The 13 round capacity set a new standard for service pistols and contributed to the model’s widespread military and police adoption across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This pistol’s very bright bore, sharp rifling, and strong remaining finish underscore that it has been carefully preserved, showing only light patina and honest handling wear. The matched magazines, sharp walnut grips with red interiors, and crisp Belgian proofs further enhance the pistol’s originality and visual appeal.
Austrian contract Hi-Powers remain desirable for collectors due to their specific markings, well-documented service history, and the high build quality characteristic of FN’s mid-century production. This example’s matching serials, clear LGK markings, excellent mechanics, and attractive overall condition make it a standout representative of these Cold War-era service pistols. It offers both historical significance and enduring mechanical quality in one of the most iconic 9mm designs ever produced. -R.E.
