FN Browning Hi-Power Austrian State Gendarmerie 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1675
LSB#: 210720DW14
Make: Fabrique Nationale FN Browning
Model: 1935 GP (High Power) Austrian State Police – Tirol
Serial Number: 137
Year of Manufacture: 1949-1959 (Based on when the Austrian Police started using the high power and the * / E Inspection mark)
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 with a Belgian proof and inspector’s mark. The chamber is marked with two Belgian proofs, an inspector’s mark, and “CAL 9m/mP”. The left hidden side of the chamber is marked “137”. The sides of the barrel lug are marked with small factory markings. The right side of the slide and the frame are marked with the serial number “137”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked with a boxed “3” and the right side of the trigger is marked with a boxed “4”. The front strap is marked “L.G.K.T / 0080”. The sides of the barrel lug and the buttstrap are marked with poorly struck factory markings. The floor plate of the magazine is marked “L.G.K.T / 0080”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small serrated blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a U-noch leaf that is dovetailed at the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood grips. The grips show moderate wear with nicks and finish loss on the smooth borders. The checkering shows light wear along the edges but is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good. condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is faint erosion at the throat.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 83% of its metal finish. The finish has thinned at all leading edges. The grip straps show a light shade of patina. There is some thinning on the trigger guard. There are scattered little nicks and scratches throughout the metal as well. There is standard operational wear. The slide serrations are sharp. The markings are clear except for small factory markings and the import mark on the bottom of the mainspring housing. 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 one 13-round magazine. Please note, no magazine will be included where prohibited by law.
Our Assessment: Taken from FN Browning Pistols, “The Austrian Federal Gendarmerie started using the High Power in 1949. In 1955 the decision was made to standardize the High Power for the Federal Gendarmerie and a large order was placed for 10,000 pistols. Issued pistols were marked “LGK” (Landesgendarmeriekommando – State Gendarmerie) followed by a letter abbreviation for the province in where the pistol was used.” This example is from Tirol Province and is in about Very Good condition with 83% of its finish and a strong bore. This would be a very desirable piece for collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!