German Marked FN Browning Hi-Power 4.7” 9mm Pistol & Mag 1942-43 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,275.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK123
Make: FN Herstal, Belgium
Model: Hi-Power
Serial#: 179870
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1942-1943 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Exposed Hammer Single Action with Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked, “179870”, the left side is marked, “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMED DE GUERRE HERSTAL-BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. The barrel and frame is marked with the serial, “179870”. There are various “140” Waffenamt and a Reichsadler on both the frame, barrel, and slide. The magazine is marked “JI” on the front.
Barrel Length: 4.7”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a U-notch dovetailed to the slide.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: This pistol includes 1 x 13 round magazine in Very Good condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece, checkered walnut panels screwed to the frame. There is moderate handling wear with scratches, nicks, and pressure dents throughout. There are some very small chips in various spots. The checkering is completely smooth, there are no cracks. Overall the grips are in Fair condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Cold Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion and light fouling in the bore. The feed ramp is shiny. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 5% of its metal finish. The frame and slide have been scrubbed and refinished with cold blue. The cold blue is very thin and has turned to a brown patina. The trigger, hammer, and magazine release retain some original bluing. The action has moderate bluing. The screw heads are moderately tooled, and the pins are undamaged. The markings are worn and blurry in some spots. Overall the pistol is in Poor to Fair 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. This pistol sports a thumb print extractor.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol includes one 13 round magazine.
Our Assessment: This German-marked FN Browning Hi-Power is a World War II-era pistol manufactured under N@zi occupation at the Fabrique Nationale factory in Herstal, Belgium. This example, serial number 179870, falls within the second variation of occupation production—identified by the thumbprint extractor, fixed sights, and “WaA140” Waffenamt eagle proofs found on the slide, frame, and barrel along with no letter suffix. These pistols were issued to German military forces including the Luftwaffe and Waffen-SS, and were prized for their 13-round capacity and reliable performance in combat. While this particular example has seen significant wear and restoration, its bones are still correct. The pistol has been cold blued over a scrubbed and patinaed surface, with the markings worn and soft in appearance. The bore remains bright with defined rifling, though there is moderate erosion and fouling, rating a 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. The walnut grips are worn smooth and appear to have been refinished at some point, showing small chips and scattered dents but no cracks.
Despite its heavily worn condition, this pistol remains a legitimate WWII-era piece with matching serial numbers and authentic N@zi proof marks. For collectors of wartime sidearms or those seeking a project pistol with real historical significance, this Hi-Power offers a rare and storied platform worthy of preservation or restoration. -R.E.
