WWII Nazi FN Browning WaA613 Tangent Hi-Power 9mm Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1875
LSB#: 210709KG26
Make: Fabrique Nationale, made under Nazi German Occupation
Model: P35 Hi Power WaA613
Serial Number: 62413
Year of Manufacture: 1940-1941 (Page 326 of “FN Browning Pistols” by A. Vanderlinden)
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL BELGIQUE” and “BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. The left side of the slide is marked with a poorly struck Eagle holding a globe with swastika (test proof) and an “Eagle / WaA613” Waffenamt military acceptance stamp. The left side of the frame is also marked with a “Eagle / WaA613” Waffenamt. The right side of the frame, slide, and chamber are marked “62413”. The left front of the trigger guard and bottom of the chamber are marked “LT” in a box. The front of the slide under the muzzle has “WaA613” poorly struck. The left side of the barrel above the lug is marked with two “WaA613” Waffenamts. The bottom of the slide and the butt behind the magazine well have a series of inspection marks. Both sides of the barrel lug contain factory markings.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tapered serrated blade dovetailed to a fixed base on the slide. The rear sight is a “V”-notch type 2 tangent sight in a base integral to the slide. The arm graduates from “50” to “500” meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood panels. Both panels have been relieved to create finger grooves for the thumb and index finger. There is dark discoloration on both panels from age and handling. There are scattered little nicks and scratches. The checkering is well defined where it hasn’t been interrupted. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition as modified.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dim with scattered erosion and pitting. The rifling is defined.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 75% of its current metal finish. The leading edges are thinning and contain oxidation with light pitting. There is light finish loss and pitting on the front and back strap as well. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The screw heads are slightly disfigured with serviceable slots. The markings are generally clear, some are shallow with soft edges or poorly struck. Overall, this pistol is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine disconnect is present. The trigger is crisp. The slide has light play to the frame. We have not fired 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 one 13-round magazine. Please note, no high cap magazine will be included where prohibited by law.
Our Assessment: The Browning High Power pistol is based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, and completed by Dieudonné Saive at Fabrique Nationale. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. The Hi-Power is one of the most widely utilized military pistols in history, having been used by the armed forces of over 50 countries. The Hi Power name didn’t refer to the cartridge, but to its 13 round magazine, holding five more than the Luger and six more than the Colt 1911. Its magazine capacity and ergonomic grip frame have made it a favorite among civilian shooters as a carry pistol and for home defense. The High Power was adopted by the Belgian military and the early pistols were equipped with a tangent rear sight and a grip that was slotted for a wooden stock. When Germany invaded Belgium, they took over the FN plant and continued making the High Power, but soon dropped the grooved grip after stocks of pre-invasion parts were used-up. Guns made with tangent sights included WaA613, WaA103 and WaA140 inspection marks before the tangent sights were replaced with fixed sights to help increase production. This pistol was made between 1940 and 1941 in the WaA613 inspection mark range with Type 2 tangent sights. The pistol has matching serial numbers on the barrel, slide, and frame. It is in about Good-Very Good condition with approximately 75% original finish remaining. If you want to fire this pistol, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified gunsmith. Please see our photos and good luck!