Finnish FN Belgian High Power 9mm Semi-Auto Military Pistol 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,652.00
LSB#: LSB250609TJ040.1
Make: Fabrique Nationale
Model: P35 Hi-Power, Finnish Contract
Serial Number: 11640
Year of Manufacture: 1940
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed into a base at the front of the slide. The rear sight is a type 1 tangent ladder sight pinned into a boss in the top of the slide. The leaf has a “U” notch sight and the ladder is marked from “50” to “500” in increments of 50 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels. The grips have even handling wear and some discoloration. There is a bruise in the left panel’s checkering in front of the screw, the right panel has a ding behind the checkering above the screw. There are other scattered more minor marks. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
The back strap is slotted for a shoulder stock that is not included.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to the parts. The slide and frame are matching, the barrel has been force-matched (originally marked “12011”). There is a PRI import mark on the bottom of the frame behind the magazine well.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is finish wear at leading edges consistent with holster use. The grip areas show handling wear and some minor oxidation. There are scattered light nicks and small scratches, the left of the slide and frame have some scratches from disassembly/reassembly. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 single 13-round magazine with Finnish “SA” marking.
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 High 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 high 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. Just before Germany invaded Belgium, Finland made a purchase of approximately 2,400 High Power pistols. Most of these would go on to see us in the Winter War, the Continuation War, or both. They apparently were well liked as they remained in Finnish inventories until the mid 1980s when they were surplused. This example has matching serial numbers on the barrel, slide and frame, though the barrel was force-matched, likely during a Finnish refurbishment. The pistol is in Very Good condition with much of its original finish remaining, a strong bore and good mechanics. These pistols are pretty rare with approximately half being lost to the wars. This will make a great addition to a Hi Power, Finnish, or WWII small arms collection. Please see our photos and good luck! – Bud
