FN Browning 1935 Hi-Power Finnish Army 9mm SA Semi-Automatic, 1939-1940 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2625

LSB#: 210423DW06

Make: Fabrique Nationale FN Browning

Model: 1935 GP (High Power), Finnish Army Contract

Serial Number: 11833

Year of Manufacture: 1939-1940

Caliber: 9mm Parabellum

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Detachable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL BELGIQUE”, BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”, and with a proof and inspector’s mark. The left side of the frame is marked “SA” in a square, denoting the Finnish army or ‘Suomen Armeja’ and with a Belgian proof and inspector’s mark. The left side of the grip frame under the panel is marked “A” within a square, “G”, “F” within a square, and “N” within a circle. The bottom of the trigger guard is marked “CAI ST. A. VT.”. The chamber is marked with two Belgian proofs, an inspector’s mark, and “CAL 9m/mP”. The right side of the slide and the frame are marked with the serial number “11833”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked with poorly struck factory markings. The right side of the hammer bears an “E” factory marking. The underside metal components have various factory markings.

Barrel Length: 4 5/8”

Sights / Optics: The pistol is equipped with Type 1 tangent sights. The front sight is a serrated, tapered blade dovetailed to a boss at the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent sight in a base integral to the slide. The arm graduates from “50” to “500” meters.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood grips. The grips show heavy wear with the most notable imperfections being compressions in the checkering on the left panel and three small gashes towards the bottom front of the right panel. The checkering is worn yet defined. The panels have darkened with age. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fair-Good condition. The backstrap is slotted for a shoulder stock (none included).

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with scattered light erosion and sharp rifling.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish has thinned at all leading edges. There are also notable areas of finnish loss on the right side of the slide ahead of the chamber and on the grip straps. There is other scattered lighter thinning as well. There are scattered little nicks and scratches throughout as well. There is moderate operational wear. The slide serrations are sharp. The markings are mostly clear aside from the import marking on the bottom of the trigger guard. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a frame mounted safety and the round hammer has a half cock safety position. This pistol still has a functioning magazine disconnect and the trigger pull is crisp. The slide has minor play on the frame. 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 with a Finnish brown leather shoulder holster and a single 13-round magazine. The holster shows scattered rubs, scuffs, and scratches. There is verdigris on the base of the latch and some on the latch strap, as well as scattered spots on the front under the flap. The stitching is intact and strong. The holster rates in about Very Good condition. The magazine shows light operational thinning with some scattered little marks. The magazine rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This is a Finnish Army contract Model 1935 High Power. A total of 2,400 of a 5,000 production range were sent to Finland. The first shipment was December 15, 1939 with a total 900. A second shipment of 1,500 was sent in March of 1940. These pistols were in the serial range 11,000-15,000. This is number 11,833, making it slightly earlier in production. This pistol has smooth mechanics with a decent bore and strong markings. This would be a very desirable piece for collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!