FN Browning 1935 Hi-Power Lithuania Contract 9mm SA Semi-Automatic 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4125
LSB#: 210423DW01
Make: Fabrique Nationale FN Browning
Model: 1935 GP (High Power), Lithuanian Contract
Serial Number: 2640
Year of Manufacture: 1936-1937
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 with a Belgian proof and inspector’s mark. The left side of the grip frame under the panel is marked “A” within a square. The ‘Pillars of Gediminas’ acceptance stamp is marked at the bottom of the mainspring housing on both sides. This acceptance stamp is found again on the top of the slide, the left side of the hammer, the left side of the barrel lug, and the left side of the base of the recoil spring assembly guide. The chamber is marked with two Belgian proofs, an inspector’s mark, and “CAL 9m/mP”. The right side of the slide, the hidden left side of the chamber, and the frame are marked with the serial number “2640”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked “3”. The inside of the left grip panel is marked with an “A” within a rectangle.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The pistol is equipped with Type 2 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 light-moderate wear with the most notable imperfections being a compressed line at the rear of both panels. The panels have slightly darkened with age. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-Plus condition. The backstrap is slotted for a shoulder stock (none included). There is a fixed lanyard at the bottom of the mainspring housing (no lanyard included).
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dim with scattered erosion and the rifling is worn yet well defined.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish has thinned at all leading edges. There are spots of pitting on the right side of the grip frame under the panel. There are scattered little nicks, dings, and scratches throughout the metal. There is scattered faint surface oxidation There is moderate operational wear. The slide serrations are sharp. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-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 brown leather waist holster and two 13-round magazines. The holster shows scattered rubs, scuffs, and scratches. There is some verdigris on the metal pieces. Something has been hand scribed on the inside of the flap but it cannot be made out. The stitching is intact and strong. The holster rates in about Very Good condition. One of the magazines is parkerized and is marked “JI” on the base. The magazines show operational thinning with some scattered nicks and scratches. Both have intact lips and strong springs. The magazines rate in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Lithuanian contract Model 1935 High Power. Lieutenant Aleksandras Stauskas, who was the chairman of the Lithuanian Pistol Acquisition Commission, played an important role in the Lithuanian High Power acquisition. He was stationed in Liege early in 1937 and worked in Herstal. While he was there, Lithuania purchased High Powers, among other arms, from FN. Early in 1937, approximately 7,000 pistols were shipped to the port of Klaipeda in Lithuania. This example is number 2,640. It still retains a very good amount, 80% roughly, of its metal finish and the Pillars of Gediminas on the top of the slide are crisp, retaining their natural white coloring. Calling all collectors, don’t pass on this one! Please see our photos and good luck!