FN Belgium Browning Hi-Power 9mm 4.7” Semi Auto Pistol, MFD 1952 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,053.00
LSB#: LSB260410XX001
Make: FN Belgium / Browning
Model: Hi-Power
Serial#: 52923
Year of Manufacture: 1952 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Exposed Hammer, Internal Extractor, Single Action with Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The frame and slide marked with the serial number, “52923”. The left side of the slide is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE”. There are Belgian Liege proofs throughout with a “*A” inspectors stamp and 1952 date code.
Barrel Length: 4.7”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed to the back of the slide.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes 1 x 13 round original magazine in Very Good Condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece checkered walnut panels with red interiors. There are moderate handling marks throughout. There are no chips but there is a crack forming at the top of the left panel. The checkering is mostly sharp. Overall the grips are in Very Good + condition despite the crack.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is some faint stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light handling marks throughout and the leading edges have light wear. There is a large scratch on the left side of the slide. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall this pistol is in Very Good to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. This pistol sports a thumbprint extractor..
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol includes one 13 round magazine.
Our Assessment: The FN Browning Hi-Power is one of the most influential military and commercial pistols ever produced, representing the final evolution of a design begun by John Moses Browning and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale. By the early 1950s, the Hi-Power had already established itself as one of the premier military sidearms in the world, combining excellent ergonomics, a high-capacity magazine, and proven reliability in a sleek and highly refined package. Chambered in 9mm Luger, one of the most successful military handgun cartridges ever developed, the Hi-Power would go on to serve with military and police forces across dozens of nations. This example, manufactured in 1952, represents an early post-war Belgian commercial Hi-Power and retains several highly desirable collector features. The pistol retains approximately 98% of its original finish with only light handling wear, edge wear, and a prominent scratch on the left side of the slide. The bore remains excellent, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only minor fouling present, supporting its 9 out of 10 rating. Particularly noteworthy are the desirable thumbprint-style internal extractor, matching numbered slide and frame, and original red-backed walnut grip panels. The left grip panel shows a developing crack at its upper edge but remains intact overall.
Altogether, this 1952 FN Browning Hi-Power represents a highly desirable early post-war example of one of the most iconic service pistols ever manufactured. Its Belgian production, matching numbers, thumbprint extractor, and original red-backed grips reflect many of the features most sought after by collectors of early commercial Hi-Powers. More than seventy years after its manufacture, the Hi-Power remains one of the most elegant and influential handgun designs ever produced and a cornerstone of any serious Browning or military pistol collection. -R.E.