High Standard US Property Marked Model B Type II .22LR Semi-Auto Pistol C&R

SOLD FOR: $1380

LSB#: 210916TF01

Make: High Standard

Model: Model B Type II (Takedown lever on right side of frame)

Serial Number: 102898

Year of Manufacture: 1942 (“High Standard Automatic Pistols 1932-1950” by Charles E. Petty, Pg. 8)

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine.

Markings: The left side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. / THE HIGH STANDARD MFG. CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN.. / PATENT PENDING / .22 CAL / LONG RIFLE”. The left side of the slide is marked “HI- STANDARD / MODEL “B”” and the front strap is marked “102898”. The right side of the frame is marked “PROPERTY OF / U.S.” with the crossed cannon monogram. The top of the barrel is marked “PROPERTY OF U.S.”.

Barrel Length: 4.5”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade with a serrated rear face that is fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch that is dovetailed to the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered black hard rubber with “HS” in a circle on either side. The checkering shows very light wear without mars. There are a few light handling marks and light discoloration between the checkers. The grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some faint thinned marks on the bottom of the barrel. There is faint thinning at some of the leading edges. There are some scattered faint scratches on the front strap and one on the right side of the slide. The takedown lever shows light thinning as well. The grip screw heads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in about Fine-Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide on this model does not lock back on an empty magazine. This model has a takedown lever on the right side of the frame, indicative of type II production. The trigger has a small amount of take-up, and breaks crisply. We did not fire 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 total of one 10 round blued magazine and an original Model B box with the crossed cannon U.S. property mark faintly stamped in the upper left corner. The box shows heavy wear along the edges and rates in about Good condition.

Our Assessment: When Hi Standard first started producing semi-auto pistols the first model they came out with was the model B. The basic design was derived from an earlier Browning design, as was the Colt Woodsman. In fact, the Woodsman and the Model B look almost identical, although they are not. Although it was originally marketed as a plinker, the Model B turned out to be reliable, well made, and accurate. This Model B pistol features a small frame, a light 4.5” barrel and a takedown lever at the right rear of the frame for easy removal of the slide for cleaning. This one was made in 1942, and is a Type II Variant, which does not lock the slide back on an empty magazine. The pistol is in about Fine-Plus condition with about 97% of its original finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This pistol would look great in a Hi Standard collection and would make a good plinker for those with small hands. Please see our photos and good luck!