jimb
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Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 8, 2023 21:07:05 GMT -5
ruber likes this
Post by jimb on Feb 8, 2023 21:07:05 GMT -5
Received a High Power due to a death in the family. After much research, I do not have a clue on year of manufacture or any other history on this pistol. There was no history given to me by the family. Looking for help. Photos attached for reference.
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 8, 2023 21:08:07 GMT -5
ruber likes this
Post by jimb on Feb 8, 2023 21:08:07 GMT -5
Additional photos. This has the cut out in the back for the stock.
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 9:48:09 GMT -5
ruber likes this
Post by CXM on Feb 9, 2023 9:48:09 GMT -5
If you can take some photos of the inside of the pistol and slide plus the barrel and it's lugs it would be a big help in dating.
I have a hunch you have an interesting gun.
FWIW
Chuck
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 13:11:41 GMT -5
Post by ToddSig on Feb 9, 2023 13:11:41 GMT -5
Nice looking early Tangent sight High Power. As Chuck mentions, additional images would be helpful, and the shape of the barrel lug can help date as well. Also, an image of the top of the sight showing the sight leaf markings would also be helpful, and it should be cut/slotted for a shoulder stock. If the sight markings cover about 60 of the leaf it is a type 1 sight, if fully marked a type 2 sight. The type 2 sight is actually the earlier sight version. Type 1 sighted High Powers shipped with a numbered shoulder stock, type 2 sighted High Power shipped without the shoulder stock. Around 1938 FN changed the barrel cam from round to square, so that is why there is interest in seeing it. From the proof marks it appears to be pre-war. From left to right in the image of the slide and frame marks - The H within a circle represents an arsenal inspection mark, parts acceptance for Belgian military High Power pistols. Used between 1931-1939
- The E over GB over * within a circle represents a Belgian government proof, Epreuce du Gouvernement Belge. It was applied to parts which passed inspection and were property of the Belgian state. It was applied at FN and either once per gun or only on major parts (such as frame and/or slide)
- Stick figure of a lion over PV, Liege Proof, Poudre Vive (smokeless powder). Lion represents Belgium
- The * over E, inspector mark of Auguste Jamart who worked between 1924 and 1959
- The crown over PH, a MAE (state arms manufacturer, La Manufactur d'Armes de l'Estat de Liege) arsenal acceptance mark, found on High Powers 1935-1940. Means the pistol was accepted and passed testing at the state arsenal.
Given the arsenal marks, it appears to be a pre-war Belgian military contract High Power. Per the contract number of 24069, it may have been part of a Belgium contract production for May 1939. Belgian Contract of May 1939 contained the following contract numbers, 4044 to 26000. Belgian contract pistols are the most commonly found pre war High Powers. Most of the above info from Anthon Vanerlinden's FN Browning Pistols, 3rd edition.
Hope this helps. Please post a few more images of the parts and any other markings you can find.
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 13:20:33 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 13:20:33 GMT -5
Thanks to you both. As soon as I get home tonight I will add some photos. Thank you again.
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 17:10:23 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 17:10:23 GMT -5
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 17:11:31 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 17:11:31 GMT -5
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 17:13:24 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 17:13:24 GMT -5
And this was wrapped up and in the bottom of the box when I received it.
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 21:14:19 GMT -5
Post by ToddSig on Feb 9, 2023 21:14:19 GMT -5
jimb, thanks fo the additional images. The barrel is the later squared cam version, which fits with the contract number and noted contract date of 1939. Sorry to hear about the loss in your family. You have a great, good condition pre war Belgian Contract High Power. Do you plan on keeping it? I am not an expert on the shoulder stock, but I would guess it is probably a later version. The FN Belgian contract pistols had a flat board shoulder stock not the hollowed out holster/shoulder stock combination as you have. The Canadian Inglis High Powers had the Mauser pattern holster/shoulder stock. Perhaps others will comment more on that. An image from the HPC photo glossary comparing the two barrel cams, upper barrel the post 1938 squared version, lower barrel being the early round version. Correct style shoulder stock for the pre-war Belgian Contract High Power
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 21:36:29 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 21:36:29 GMT -5
ToddSig, Thank you so much for the information. I have spent some time trying to find information on all the proof marks and dates. Apparently I needed to come here first and ask. Less then 24 hours I now know. Thank you.
For keeping it, I don't know right now.
Also thank you to CXM for the information.
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 22:02:51 GMT -5
Post by ToddSig on Feb 9, 2023 22:02:51 GMT -5
You are welcome. It is great to see such early examples still showing up. Thanks for sharing. BTW, do you have the original magazine, it might have more inspector marks. It should have an aluminum follower and what is called a split tail base plate. If you are researching for similar High Powers make sure you use the term "pre war" to separate it from later occupation High Powers and the all later versions. For an idea on value here is a link to an auction from about a year ago, close contract/serial number 26555 selling at a reasonable $1,850. Some will go higher. www.proxibid.com/Art-Antiques-Collectibles/Collectibles/PRE-WAR-BROWNING-TANGENT-SIGHT-HI-POWER-PISTOL/lotInformation/66894403#topoflot
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jimb
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Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 22:06:49 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 22:06:49 GMT -5
I didn't see anything, but the follower looks correct.
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jimb
Member
Posts: 13
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 22:08:08 GMT -5
Post by jimb on Feb 9, 2023 22:08:08 GMT -5
Other side Attachments:
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Lost
Feb 9, 2023 22:15:27 GMT -5
Post by ToddSig on Feb 9, 2023 22:15:27 GMT -5
Yes, follower and split tail base plate look correct. I see some marks on the backside of the mag. Looks like a 7 and something above it in a box? Can you get an image of them? Might be able to determine something, perhaps just random inspector marks.
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Lost
Feb 10, 2023 7:16:18 GMT -5
Post by Bob Reed on Feb 10, 2023 7:16:18 GMT -5
That is a very nice High Power, Jim. Congratulations & Welcome Aboard.
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