Case Color T-Series Browning Hi-Power 9mm 4.7” Semi Auto Pistol, 1970s
SOLD FOR: $2,001.00
LSB#: LSB260406DM009
Make: FN Herstal, Belgium Imported By Browning
Model: Hi-Power
Serial#: T308340
Year of Manufacture: 1969 – 1972 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic 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”. The barrel, slide, and frame are marked with the serial number, “T308340”. There are various Belgian proofs throughout. The underside of the frame has a Mach 1 engraving.
Barrel Length: 4.7”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed to the back of the slide.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 13rd magazine in excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are modern custom by Craig Spegel replacement two-piece checkered Cocobolo panels with palm swells. There are no notable handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is sharp. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition as replaced.
Type of Finish: Polished blue, Matte Case Hardened Frame w/ Fire Blue Small Parts
Finish Originality: Custom Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright, the rifling is sharp. There is light to moderate erosion in the bore along with light surface rust. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout along with light rust freckling on the slide. The action has minimal wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall the pistol is in Very Good to 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. The magazine disconnect has been removed.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: Browning soft case, manual, white gloves.
Our Assessment: The Browning Hi-Power remains one of the most influential military and commercial pistol designs ever produced, representing the culmination of a design lineage begun by John Moses Browning and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Hi-Power had firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier service pistols, combining excellent ergonomics, proven reliability, and high magazine capacity in an elegant all-steel package. Chambered in 9mm Luger, one of the most successful military handgun cartridges ever developed, the Hi-Power would go on to serve military and police forces across the globe for generations. This T-Series example has been transformed through a striking custom refinish featuring a polished blue slide, matte case-hardened frame, and fire-blued small parts. The pistol retains approximately 98% of this custom finish with only minor handling wear and scattered rust freckling visible on the slide. The modern custom Craig Spegel replacement Cocobolo grips remain in excellent condition with sharp checkering and no visible structural damage. The bore shows bright rifling but also exhibits erosion and light surface rust, supporting its 7 out of 10 rating. The magazine disconnect has been removed, a common modification often performed to improve trigger characteristics and reduce trigger pull weight.
Altogether, this Browning T-Series Hi-Power represents a distinctive custom interpretation of one of the most iconic military pistols ever manufactured. The combination of Belgian production, matching numbers, custom case-colored frame, fire-blued accents, and premium grip panels creates a visually striking presentation that differs substantially from standard factory examples. Whether appreciated for its artistic custom work or its foundation as a classic Belgian Hi-Power, this pistol remains a compelling example of one of the most respected handgun designs of the 20th century. -R.E./MA