FN Browning Automatic “Baby Browning” 6.35mm/25ACP 2.1” Pocket Pistol
SOLD FOR: $1,325.00
LSB#: LSB251210MB016
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium
Model: Baby Browning
Serial Number: 139891
Year of Manufacture: 1954 – 1958 / C&R
Caliber: 6.35mm / .25 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed By Detachable Magazines.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the FN rollmark and Belgian proofs. The frame is marked with the serial number, “139891”. Both sides of the grip panels have the FNH logo. The slide is serial matched to the frame. There are several Belgian proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 2.1”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an integral blade to the slide and the rear sight is a u-notch integral to the slide. The top of the slide is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black plastic panels. There are faint handling marks throughout. The checkering is mostly intact and crisp. The checkering is sharp. The grips are in about Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 6rd .25 ACP magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Black/Gold Cerakote
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp. There is some light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout. There are light spots of pitting under the finish. The pinheads are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good to Excellent condition as Refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one magazine.
Our Assessment: This early FN Baby Browning, produced between 1954 and 1958 at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium, represents the final evolution of John Browning’s compact vest pistol concept. Derived from the earlier 1906 pattern but refined into an even sleeker and more compact form, the Baby Browning became one of the most iconic European pocket pistols of the mid-20th century. Its diminutive 2.1 inch barrel, crisp slide serrations, and streamlined single action design exemplify FN’s post-war machining quality. The presence of Belgian proofs and matching slide and frame numbers anchor this example firmly within its original FN production lineage. Chambered in 6.35mm Browning, known in the United States as .25 ACP and introduced in 1905, the Baby Browning follows a traditional straight blowback, single action format fed by a six-round detachable magazine. This pistol has been refinished in a black and gold Cerakote, and it currently retains approximately 99 percent of that applied finish, with light handling marks and minor pitting visible beneath the coating. The bore is light gray with sharp rifling and some light erosion and fouling present, earning a 7 out of 10 rating for a Curio and Relic example. The checkered black plastic grips with FN logos remain in Excellent condition with strong definition.
Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the internal components operate as intended. The pinheads remain unmarred, and the slide and frame markings, including Belgian proofs, remain clear and legible despite refinishing. Overall, this FN Baby Browning stands as a refinished but mechanically sound example of one of the most recognizable European pocket pistols of the 20th century, combining classic FN heritage with updated exterior finish in a compact and historically significant design. -R.E.