FN Browning Model 1910 Dutch Navy No. 4 .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1940 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2575
LSB#: 221028WR051
Make: Fabrique Nationale
Model: 1910 Dutch Navy “Pistool Automatisch No. 4”
Serial Number: 322
Year of Manufacture: 1940 C&R
Caliber: .32 A.C.P. (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL-BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE” and with “Lion over PV” proof and “* / O” inspection mark. The latter two marks are also found on the left side of the frame. The left trigger guard bow is marked with an officer’s acceptance mark. The right side of the frame is marked “322”. The underside of the slide is marked “322”. The right side of the barrel is marked with a “Lion / PV”, “* / O”, a Liege Crowned “E / LG / *” proof, “322”, and “CAL 7m/m65”. The right side of the trigger guard bow is marked with factory marks. The back of the frame is marked with the “Crown / Anchor” Dutch Property marking.
Barrel Length: 3 3/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a very small blade in the middle of a serrated shallow “U” channel that runs along the top of the slide. The rear sight is a small “U” groove at the back of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black horn panels marked at the tops with a “FN” logo in an oval. There is discoloration and crazing lines along the smooth edges. There are also some small cracks at the front edge of the right panel. There are several nicks and scuffs on the smooth borders. The checkering is generally defined with a couple of smooth rubs on either side. The logos are intact and well defined. There are no chips. The grips rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished. This contract was originally finished in black enamel.
Bore Condition: The bore is slightly bright with scattered faint erosion and fouling in the grooves. The rifling is well defined. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its current metal finish. The leading edges have thinned throughout. There is scattered light pitting under the finish throughout as well as surface oxidation. There are some infrequently scattered little nicks and dings throughout the metal. The markings range from strong to soft from refinish. The screw head shows tool markings and the pins are not peened. Overall, this pistol rates in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The pistol has a frame mounted safety as well as a grip safety. The magazine does not function properly. 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 one blued 7-round magazine.
Our Assessment: The John Browning designed FN Model 1910 pistol was produced from 1912-1975 in both .32 and .380 A.C.P. calibers. Browning couldn’t get Colt to produce it, so he patented it in Europe and had it produced by FN. A M1910, serial number 19074, chambered in .380 A.C.P. was the handgun used by Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, an act that arguably precipitated the First World War. Browning also imported the pistol as their Model 55 from 1955-1968, and the Model 1910 served as the basis for the long slide model 1922 that was designed for Yugoslavia and ended up being used by various military and police agencies.
This pistol is a Model1910 produced for the Dutch Navy, dubbed the “Pistool Automatisch No. 4”, produced early in WWII. This is one of just over 400 from a contract that spanned from 1937 until 1940. The limited pistols that were purchased were primarily issued to Commissioned officers who were the only armed men on ships. This example retains about 70% of its current metal finish, rating in about Good-Very Good condition as refinished. This is an essential piece for any respectable Browning Pistol collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
