FN Browning Russian Contract Model 1900 7.65mm .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $3925
LSB#: 210917MW32
Make: Fabrique Nationale, designed by John Browning
Model: 1900 Russian Contract
Serial Number: 671874
Year of Manufacture: 1905-1914
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 frame is also marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE”. The left side of the frame is also marked with a circled pistol and “FN” logo over “BROWNING’S-PATENT / BREVETE S.G.D.G.” and with two crossed Mosin Nagant rifles over “7811” which is the Russian contract marking. The safety markings are in French: “SUR” and “FEU “. The right side of the rear sight base, the right side of the slide, and the right side of the frame are all marked “671874”. 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 black horn panels that have an “FN” logo in an oval at the top of each grip. The grips show moderate handling wear on each panel. The right panel has a split at the bottom rear and there is some material loss on the bottom edge. The checkering is also interrupted on the right panel. There are other nicks and scratches on the smooth borders. Overall, the grips are in about Fair-Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dim with worn yet defined rifling. There is erosion throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. There are scattered nicks, dings, scratches, and small spots of finish loss. The most notable finish loss is on the bottom of the bottom of the slide where there is also erosion and pitting. There is thinning at all leading edges. There is scattered surface oxidation throughout. The screw heads are slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Plus 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. The magazine has operational wear, scattered erosion with light pitting, and finish loss, in about Good condition.
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 from the Russian Contract production denoted by the crossed Mosin Nagant rifle marking on the left side of the frame, manufactured between 1905 and 1914. The Imperial Russian government ordered these pistols for its Imperial General Staff graduates. The action functions correctly so perhaps you can give a little TLC and get it back to a respectable standard. Please see our photos and good luck!