FN Browning Model 1899 7.65mm .32 ACP 4″ Blue Semi-Auto Pistol MFD 1900 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,192
LSB#: 240322DK010
Make: Fabrique Nationale FN
Model: Browning 1899 Pistol
Serial Number: 7118
Year of Manufacture: 1900
Caliber: 7.65mm Browning, .32 Auto
Action Type: Blowback Semi-Automatic Pistol w/ Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a “V” groove in a raised boss on the top of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber panels with FN pistol logos at the tops. The grips show some minor nicks and fine scratches along the borders and have taken a slight brown discoloration from age. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is well defined. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly gray and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6.5 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is light finish loss along the leading edges and discoloration on the back of the slide. There are small blemishes of surface erosion on the sides of the frame. There are some sparsely scattered little nicks and scratches throughout. Freckled oxidation can also be seen on the grip straps. The screw heads are lightly tool marked. The markings are mostly clear, some are slightly faded. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a frame mounted safety on the left side of the frame that can also be used to hold the slide back for cleaning. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes in a brown leather holster with two 7-round magazines.
Our Assessment: On display is the Browning 1899 pistol, the predecessor of the more popular and well known Model 1900 pistol. This pistol holds a special place in history, as it was the first handgun FN ever produced and was only manufactured from 1899 to 1901 with just north of 10,000 total units produced. Two variations were manufactured: the “large” variation for military trials that sported a 4.8” barrel and the “compact” which sported a 4” barrel.
This pistol retains about 90% of its original blue finish with sound mechanics and a decent bore given its age. It also comes in a brown leather holster with two original magazines. Any esteemed Browning collector would be privileged to get his hands on this one! Please see our photos and good luck!
-Greenfield
