FN Browning Model 1900 German Police 7.65 .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $2525

LSB#: 210720DW27

Make: Fabrique Nationale, designed by John Browning

Model: 1900 German Police

Serial Number: 336504

Year of Manufacture: 1905-1907 (Based on slide legend variant grip type.)

Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)

Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left of the rear sight assembly, slide and frame have Belgian inspection and proof marks. The left side of the slide is also marked “FABRIQUE-NATIONALE-HERSTAL-LIEGE (BROWNING’S-PATENT)”. The left side of the frame is also marked with a circled pistol and “FN” logon over “BREVETE S.G.D.G.”. The safety markings are in German: “FEUER” and “SICHER”. The left side of the frame is also marked “1920 / K.P.P.Hr No 143” denoting Kgl. Polizei-Prasidium Hannover, pistol number 143. The front strap is marked “K. D. H. 87”. The right side of the rear sight base, the right side of the slide and the right side of the frame are all marked “336504”. Each side of the trigger guard has inspection marks. The left side of the barrel has Belgian proof and inspection marks.

Barrel Length: 4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a “V” groove in a raised boss on the top of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered horn panels that have an “FN” logo in an oval at the top of each grip. There are marks on the smooth borders. There are a few worm holes on the left panel and one at the top on the right panel. Both panels show discoloration. The checkering shows extensive wear but is defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with worn yet defined rifling. There is erosion throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 83% of its metal finish. There is thinning at all leading edges of the gun. There are also scattered nicks, dings, and scratches throughout the metal. There is some notable surface oxidation on the front and back strap. The screw heads are slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The safety can be used to manually lock the slide back for cleaning. We did not fire this handgun. 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 7-round magazine and a brown leather holster. The holster shows heavy wear and the buckle latch has come off.

Our Assessment: From Vanderlinden, “The FN Browning Model 1900 was the first practical and reliable automatic and reliable handgun to be adopted by any army. While the Swiss adopted the Luger pistol that same year, the FN Browning Model 1900 was easier to manufacture, and significantly more reliable.” This particular example is a German Police issue. An interesting tidbit about this gun is the 1920 marking on the left side of the frame. This marking was applied in advance of the disarming of the German people to identify pistols owned by German agencies. This pistol is in about Very Good condition with 83% original finish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck!