Browning Hi Power Centennial Nickel 9mm 4 3/4″ Semi-Auto Pistol & Case
SOLD FOR: $2,050.00
LSB#: WY250210FT002
Make: Browning
Model: Hi Power Centennial
Serial Number: 1878D-3378
Year of Manufacture: 1978,
Caliber: 9mm Luger (9x19mm Parabellum)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING ARMS COMPANY MORGAN, UTAH & MONTREAL P.Q. / MADE IN BELGIUM””. The right side of the slide is marked “Browning Centennial 1878 – 1978”. The barrel is marked “CAL. 9m/mP”. The front strap is marked “1878D3378”. The right side of the trigger guard has a Belgian proof and inspection mark.
Barrel Length: 4 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a dovetailed square-notch combat sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut panels with smooth borders and a Browning Centennial medallion inset on each side. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few faint compressions visible. The checkering is crisp, and the wood rates in about Excellent overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 13-round factory nickel-plated magazine is included and is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Factory Nickel-Plated
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore but there is stubborn fouling throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its original metal finish. There is faint operational wear on the barrel and guide rod visible through the ejection port. The nickel plating is smooth and reflective with only the faintest evidence of handling. There is light finish loss on the right side of the frame above the trigger. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are crisp and fully legible. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good – Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with its original Browning Centennial presentation case, which is a fitted hardwood display box with red velvet interior and engraved plate on the lid. The box is in Very Good condition with some light scratches and handling marks on the exterior.
Our Assessment: The Browning Hi Power is one of the most iconic and influential handguns of the 20th century, and this Centennial Edition, produced in 1978 to celebrate 100 years of the Browning brand, is a fitting tribute to John M. Browning’s enduring legacy. Made in Belgium, this model features a striking factory nickel finish, clean walnut grips, and elegant commemorative markings that set it apart from standard Hi Power variants.
Mechanically identical to the classic military and commercial Hi Powers, the Centennial model retains the excellent single-action trigger and double-stack magazine that made the pistol a favorite among armed forces and law enforcement worldwide. The smooth nickel finish speaks to the quality and craftsmanship at the time, and the pistol’s condition shows it was well cared for, likely as a collector’s item.
This is a highly collectible Hi Power, ideal for Browning enthusiasts and serious collectors. With its original presentation case it offers both display value and a historical anchor in the world of modern handguns. Whether you’re building a Browning-focused collection or want a centerpiece-quality example of one of the world’s great service pistols, this is a top-tier candidate.
