WWII Nazi FN Browning P35 Hi-Power 9mm Luger Semi-Auto Pistol 1941-1942 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1775
LSB#: 210608MW40
Make: Fabrique Nationale, made under Nazi German Occupation
Model: P35 Hi Power WaA140 Tangent Sight Unslotted Variation
Serial Number: 94245
Year of Manufacture: End of 1941-1942 (Page 328 of “FN Browning Pistols” by A. Vanderlinden)
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL BELGIQUE” and “BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. The left side of the slide and frame are marked with an Eagle holding a globe with swastika (test proof) and an “Eagle / WaA140” Waffenamt military acceptance stamp. The right side of the frame, slide, and chamber are marked “94245”. The left bow of the trigger guard and bottom of the chamber are marked “MR”. The front of the slide under the muzzle has a poorly struck “WaA140”. The left side of the chamber above the lug is marked with two “WaA140” Waffenamts. The bottom of the slide, sides of the grip frame, and the butt behind the magazine well have a series of inspection marks.
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 panels. There is a scuff in the checkering on the right panel but in general, the checkering is sharp. The smooth borders show scattered nicks and small lines. There are no chips or cracks. There is minor discoloration on both panels from age and handling. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with scattered light erosion and the rifling is sharp.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 77% of its current metal finish. There is significant thinning at the leading edges and on the grip straps. There are little nicks and scratches throughout the metal. The metal shows faint oxidation throughout with the most notable on the front and back strap. The action shows standard operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are generally clear, some are poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect is present. The trigger is crisp. The slide has barely perceptible play to 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 one 13-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The Browning High Power pistol is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. The Hi-Power is one of the most widely utilized military pistols in history, having been used by the armed forces of over 50 countries. The Hi Power name didn’t refer to the cartridge, but to its 13 round magazine, holding five more than the Luger and six more than the Colt 1911. Its magazine capacity and ergonomic grip frame have made it a favorite among civilian shooters as a carry pistol and for home defense. The High Power was adopted by the Belgian military and the early pistols were equipped with a tangent rear sight and a grip that was slotted for a wooden stock. When Germany invaded Belgium, they took over the FN plant and continued making the High Power, but soon dropped the grooved grip after stocks of pre-invasion parts were used-up. Guns made with tangent sights included WaA613, WaA103 and WaA140 inspection marks before the tangent sights were replaced with fixed sights to help increase production. This pistol was made between 1941 and 1942 in the WaA140 inspection mark range with tangent type 2 sights. The pistol has matching serial numbers on the barrel, slide, and frame. The bore has sharp rifling and minor erosion. If you want to fire this pistol, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified gunsmith. According to Anthony Vanderlinden in his book “FN Browning Pistols”, sabotage performed by the workers in the FN factory increased proportionally with the portion which was forced labor. This was most prevalent in the WaA140 inspection range and some pistols are not safe to fire due to having poor heat treat or being out of tolerance standards. Please see our photos and good luck!