WW2 German Marked Browning Hi-Power Semi Auto Pistol In 9mm, 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: WY240804MY005
Make: Fabrique Nationale Herstal, Belgium
Model: Hi-Power
Serial Number: 42476b
Year of Manufacture: 1944 C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Auto Single Action Detachable Mag Fed Pistol
Markings: The right side of the barrel, slide, and frame are matching, “42476b”. The left side of the slide is marked, “FABRIQUE NATINALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE / BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. There is a Reichadler and Waffenamt on both the slide and frame. The trigger guard is marked, “MK”. There are station marks on the bottom of the grip frame.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black half-moon blade integral to the slide. The rear sight is a dovetailed U-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two piece late style checkered plastic. There are handling marks throughout. The right panel has a chipped section at the top and a crack at the chip. The peaks are moderately worn. Overall the grips rate in about Fair condition for their age.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original to arsenal refurbishment
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore but there is some light stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its metal finish. There is moderate thinning throughout with much of the finish having a light patina. There are pitting marks scattered throughout the pistol along with light spots of forming rust. The action has heavy wear. The screws are lightly tooled, and the markings are mostly clear. Overall, this gun rates in about Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.This pistol sports a ring hammer and a internal “Thumb Print” style internal extractor.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one 13-round magazine in Fair condition.
Our Assessment: The FN Browning Hi-Power is one of the most iconic and influential semi-automatic pistols in history, designed by the legendary firearms inventor John Browning and completed by Dieudonné Saive after Browning’s death. Introduced in 1935, the Hi-Power was one of the first pistols to feature a staggered, double-stack magazine, allowing for greater ammunition capacity without significantly increasing the size of the firearm. Chambered in 9mm, it became a standard sidearm for military and police forces around the world for much of the 20th century. One of the key features of the FN Browning Hi-Power is its high magazine capacity, holding 13 rounds of 9mm in the standard magazine. This was a revolutionary design at the time, as most pistols of the era held significantly fewer rounds. The Hi-Power’s double-stack magazine set the standard for modern semi-automatic pistols, making it a favorite among soldiers and law enforcement who valued the increased firepower in a reliable platform. In addition to its military pedigree, the Hi-Power gained popularity among civilian shooters and collectors. Its accuracy, reliability, and classic aesthetics made it a popular choice for recreational shooting, self-defense, and collecting. With its steel frame, the Hi-Power has a substantial yet manageable weight, which helps reduce felt recoil and aids in rapid, accurate shooting. This particular Hi-Power is a N@zi marked gun made during occupation. The serial range puts it at 1944 and it has the late style plastic grips. The fit and finish of this pistol is quite rough, though the trigger is quite good with an audible reset.
Overall, the FN Browning Hi-Power is a legendary pistol that left an indelible mark on firearm design. Its combination of high capacity, reliability, and elegant design earned it a place as one of the most widely used and respected pistols in history. Whether as a military sidearm, a personal defense weapon, or a collector’s piece, the Browning Hi-Power remains a symbol of enduring firearm innovation and quality. Please see our photos, and good luck on your bid! -R.E.
