1235 PRE-WAR CHINESE CONTRACT FABRIQUE NATIONALE HIGH

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[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2025 May 08 @ 10:00 (UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT)
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 600.00 USD
Estimated at 1,200.00 - 1,800.00 USD
POWER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 20168. Bbl. 4 5/8". High Power semi-automatic pistol mfg. in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale in December of 1938. While not bearing any identifying proofs, the Chinese High Power contract S#s range from approx. 6,000-9,500 and 9,500-11,000, with the final shipment incorporating a contract S# starting at 20,000, as referenced on page 721 of the 3rd edition "FN Browning Pistols, Vol. II" by Anthony Vanderlinden. The left side of the slide is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE/ HERSTAL BELGIQUE/ BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE". Underside of slide (on the recoil mainspring housing) is KFS import marked. Left side of the frame, slide, and right side of the bbl. exhibit Belgian commercial proofs. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on the bbl., which is polished in-the-white. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Thumbprint slide, with dovetailed blade front sight and V-notch tangent rear sight, graduated 50-500. Back strap on frame is slotted for a stock attachment. All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, slide, and bbl. MAGS: 1 13-rd. Belgian proofed mag., with phosphate finished body and blued split tail floorplate. CONDITION: metal components retain large amounts of their original blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning that show through to gray patina, as well as scattered areas of light to mild surface oxidation and pitting overall. Bore is bright, exhibiting consistent mild pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Grips show smoothing, as well as scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sturdy and serviceable. PROVENANCE: the Estate Collection of Charles Wagner. (25-264/MLW). CURIO. $1,200-1,800.