FN Belgium Post-War Hi-Power 9mm 4.7” Barrel Semi Auto Pistol, 1952 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,542.00
LSB#: LSB260123DG010
Make: FN Herstal, Belgium
Model: Hi-Power
Serial#: 55021
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 right side of the frame is marked, “55021” The slide and barrel are serial matched to the frame. The left side of the slide is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. There are several Belgian proofs throughout.
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 slide.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes 2 x 13 round magazines in Very Good Condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece checkered wood panels with red interiors. There are faint handling marks throughout. There are no cracks but there is a chip on the left panel. Overall the grips are in Very Good + condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are a few spots of handling wear and thinning to the leading edges. The action has light wear. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall the pistol is in Very Good 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.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol includes two 13 round magazines, browning soft case.
Our Assessment: The FN Browning Hi-Power is one of the most influential service pistols of the 20th century, designed by John Moses Browning and completed by Dieudonne Saive following Browning’s passing. Adopted by numerous military and police forces worldwide, the Hi-Power set a new standard with its high capacity magazine and refined single action operation. This 1952 post-war example reflects FN’s return to commercial and military production after World War II, maintaining the classic internal extractor design and traditional fixed sights. Chambered in 9mm Luger, introduced in 1902 and widely adopted across the globe, the Hi-Power represents a pivotal evolution in handgun design that influenced generations of semi automatic pistols. This example retains approximately 99 percent of its original blued finish, with only minor handling wear and slight thinning along the leading edges. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.75 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition. The checkered wood grips with red interiors show light handling wear with a small chip on the left panel but remain structurally sound, rating in Very Good Plus condition. Matching serial numbers are present on the frame, slide, and barrel, and Belgian proof marks remain clear and well defined. The screw heads are sharp, the pins are undamaged, and the pistol includes two 13 round magazines in Very Good condition along with a Browning soft case.
Post-war Belgian Hi-Powers are highly regarded for their craftsmanship and connection to one of the most enduring handgun designs ever produced. The internal extractor configuration and classic sighting system reflect early production features that continue to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. This example stands as a well preserved and matching example of FN’s early post-war output, combining historical significance with excellent condition and strong mechanical integrity. -R.E.