FN Browning M1935 Hi-Power Belgian Pre-war 9mm Luger Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $2025
LSB#: 220219JN016
Make: Fabrique Nationale FN Browning
Model: 1935 GP (Hi Power) Pre-War
Serial Number: 21370
Year of Manufacture: 1935-1940
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL BELGIQUE”, “BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”, a Belgian proof and an inspector’s mark. The right side of the frame, and slide, are marked “21370”. The chamber is marked “CAL 9 mm LUGER”. The right side of the barrel lug is marked with a Belgian proof and “* / D” inspection mark. The trigger guard bows have faded factory markings.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8” The barrel is not original to the gun.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated blade dovetailed to a boss at the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “V”-notch type 2 tangent sight in a base integral to the slide. The arm graduates from “50” to “500” meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood grips and are not original to the gun. The panels have slight swells at the top. The grips show light wear and the checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine-Plus condition. The backstrap is slotted for a shoulder stock.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the filing is sharp. There is minor fouling in the grooves but no erosion.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 82% of its metal refinish. There is erosion and pitting under the surface on the mag release and it has taken a plum hue. There are scattered spots of pitting under the finish throughout the frame and slide, notably on the matte portions of the slide. There are a few little light nicks and scratches throughout. The markings range from legible to obscured. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a frame mounted safety and the round hammer has a half cock safety position. The magazine disconnect safety is functional. The slide has minor play on the frame. 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 that is not original to the gun.
Our Assessment: The Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, semi-automatic handgun available in the 9mm and .40 S&W calibers. It was based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Herstal, Belgium. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. FN Herstal initially named the design the “High Power”, which alludes to the 13-round magazine capacity, almost twice that of other designs at the time, such as the Luger or Colt M1911. This is a pre-war Hi-Power. The Belgian military was the largest customer for the High Power, placing orders between 1935 and May of 1940. Belgian procurement was based on a detailed acquisitions plan similar to the Dutch “werkplan”. This pistol retains about 82% original finish and is in about Very good condition. Please see our photos and good luck!