Let`s see your Hi-Powers

[Stranglehold]

A recent acquisition. 1969 Belgian "C" series....

Roe

 

[sideways]

Mark II and 1949 austrian police all matching original mag numbered to pistol

 

[cwo4uscgret]

Very interesting

Sideways - my Former Israeli (Jerusalam) Police High Power, supposedly from 1952 has a serial number of 28166, 4,359 numbers lower then your 1949 Austrian Police model.

The other is a WWII Inglis.

 

[sideways]

Sideways - my Former Israeli (Jerusalam) Police High Power, supposedly from 1952 has a serial number of 28166, 4,359 numbers lower then your 1949 Austrian Police model.

The other is a WWII Inglis.

You know I just didn't pluck this date out of thin air if you've done any research at all on FN Hi-Powers then you know that serialization was not their strong suit. After hours of research on my behalf with numbers and markings on pistol the only thing that I have to go on is that in 1946 FN started over with serial number one and produced approximately 8750 per year so that would put mine in 1949 rage any info you have that is contradictory to that please share. Like I said it's anyones guess. The other thing I have is that I met a gentleman at JAG show in Louisville two years ago represented himself as the founder of the Hi-Power collectors association and he seem to think that was a good guess ,I know that means squat so lets hear your studies. And maybe you know something nobody else does.

 

[sipowicz]

A recent acquisition. 1969 Belgian "C" series....

Roe

I wish my modded 81 still looked like that....it's this damn old fashioned revolver forum...I used to like tactical stuf but now I'm a purist...

 

[cwo4uscgret]

Sideways - I have done some research on High Power numbering and you are right - it is all over the clock. When I bought this pistol from the dealer it was "date approximately 1952" which I took with a grain of salt.

If you are offended by my post - and your reply hints at it - oh well; if I were to question your post, you know, dispute it, well I would have done a lot better job of it!

For the record I can't even confirm my was built on or near 1952 anyway.

 

[Penmon]

My HP

Inglis FN MK I* Made in Canada for the Chinese but never delivered, with matching shoulder stock/holster
Penmon

 

[Joni_Lynn]

Here's my only HP.

 

[Mickey D]

Another T series c. '69

 

[Walter Rego]

Sideways, you might enjoy the new book by Anthony Vanderlinden: FN Browning Pistols Side Arms That Shaped World History. There is a section on the Austrian Gendarmerie P35's. They started purchasing them in 1949 with an order of 500 pistols. In 1955 they placed a large 10,000 pistol order with FN. It was many more than needed and a large quantity remained in unissued condition and in original boxes until released as surplus in 1994.
The markings on the front strap and magazine bottoms that start with LGK are for the Landes Gendarmerie Kommando, followed by a letter indicating the region to which they were issued and a property number.
Regarding when made. Newly discovered information shows that a date code was used on items like barrels when they were proof fired. It is typically a single digit like a 8 for 1948 or 1958 with some numbers repeating, and what may look like a square or partial square around the number that has 1,2,3 or 4 sides. The completeness of that square indicates the trimester that the gun was proof fired. There is a chart on page 86. If you get a chance to strip your gun and take a good macro photo of any such marking I'll try and ID it for you.

 

[sideways]

Thanks Walter I will take you up on that.
CWO ,Yes you did ruffle my feathers but I'm over it .Tell the gentleman at Robertsons he's mistaken.

 

[WVSig]

 

[Texas Star]

I think everyone is forgtting that the "ring" hammer dates from the C-96 Mauser, not the original Hi-Power FN.

Many Beretta guns also have used that hammer style, among other guns. Colt did not use it until about 1950, on the Commander.

 

[galena]

My Hi-powers...........40SW with the wood grips and Isreali import FN in OD green and black. Both fantastic shooters........will lead to more........... Keep shootin'

 

[sub-moa]

WADR, I'm at somewhat of a loss as to whom "everyone" might be who've apparently forgotten the C96 . Origins of the first "ring" hammer pistol was not in any way part of the discussion of P35/BHP spur hammers vs. P35/BHP ring hammers...no one offered that the P35/BHP ring hammer was the first ring hammer pistol.

It was pointed out that the P35/BHP ring hammer pre-dates the P35/BHP spur hammer...as well as the ring hammer of Colt's Commander. There are folks who call P35/BHP ring hammers "Commander" hammers.

But, since the origin of ring hammer pistols has now been broached, perhaps someone can offer a date for this "Commander"...er ahhh..."C96" ring hammer pistol.....

 

[logictox]

I'm a big hi power fan, mostly a fan of the WWII issue guns.

This is an early liberation Hi Power, no serial number and only a couple of Belgium proofs but the barrel still retains one WaA140 military test proof.

 

[Maximumbob54]

FM Detective Custom...

Never seen a shorty before...

That's a heck of a custom if it was chopped that way.

 

[Cyrano]

Not only do the C 96 Mausers have a ring hammer, in three different configurations, but the patent drawings show a spur hammer!

 

[WVSig]

Never seen a shorty before...

That's a heck of a custom if it was chopped that way.

FM made a detective model which was shorter but people do shorten them up.

Behlert was famous for his mini 9mm BHPs which were cut from standard BHPs. He was a master gunsmith of the highest order.