FN Belgium Post-War Browning Hi-Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1952-1954 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2000.01
LSB#: 210930TP20
Make: Fabrique Nationale
Model: Hi-Power
Serial Number: 37721
Year of Manufacture: 1952-1954 C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine and Thumb Safety
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL BELGIUM”, “BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”, “lion / P.V” proof, and a “* / S” inspection mark. The left side of the frame is marked with the same proof and inspector mark. The right side of the chamber is marked with the same inspection mark and proof as well as a crowned and ovalled “E / LG / *” proof and “CAL.9m/mP.”. The left side of the chamber, the right side of the slide, and right side of the frame are marked “37721”. The sides of the barrel lug are marked with small factory markings. The right trigger guard bow is marked “V”. The bottom flat of the firing pin housing, under the slide, and the butt strap are marked with small factory markings. The right side of the slide and frame are marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a V-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut panels with smooth borders. The grips show some minor marks and lines on the smooth borders with a notable compression on the back of the left panel. The checkering is sharp, showing only faint handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some infrequent, extremely faint fouling in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The leading edges have thinned. The top of the slide has a strip of finish loss that has some very faint pitting. The front and back strap show some very faint surface oxidation, there is also some finish loss on the bottom of the back strap. There is also some light frost on the dust cover. There are some dispersed faint nicks and scratches. The hammer shows a plum hue and the controls have slightly thinned. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are not peened. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. There is a tiny amount of play between the slide and frame. The magazine disconnect safety is present and functional. 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 black leather holster with two 13-round magazines. The inside of the holster flap has pen marks that have been struck out. Please note, no magazine will be included for purchasers who reside where it cannot be legally transferred.
Our Assessment: This here is a pre-series, early post-war commercial Hi-Power manufactured sometime between 1952 & 1954. This pistol was manufactured during a time when the extractor was internal. Beginning in 1962, the external extractor was implemented for the purpose of functionality and cost effectiveness, though deterred from the pleasing aesthetic appeal of the internal extractor. Browning Hi-Power pistols are known to be quality tried and trusted pistols. They have been the chosen sidearm by armies and police forces across the world throughout the millennia. Though practical for self-defense, any true collector wouldn’t think twice putting rounds through this pistol. This is one for the collection. Please see our photos and good luck!