Info on German Occupation Browning Hi Powers

[dabrito]

Hi, I just started my collection of Browning Hi Powers, I got 2 of them and love it
I saw some guns at gun broker that is displayed as Occupational Browning Hi Powers
Can somebody share some info about the German versions of Hi Power pistols?
Are they really German?
Where can I learn about the story of the German Hi Powers?
Thank you very much for the help
Diego

[ToddSig]

Welcome to the forum, and great to hear you are starting to collect Hi Powers. There are some experts here on all types and models of Hi Powers, including the occupation pistol. We would need more information on the German marked High Power you are considering, for example, tangent/slotted sights or fixed sights, and perhaps most importantly what is the acceptance mark of WaAXXX, with variants and sub variants.

For example, acceptance marks WaA613, WaA103,WaA140 along with serial numbers a serial number suffix (typically a or b). It can get a little confusing with all of the marks, but when documented, you can get a pretty strong idea of the production date. Should have the Waffen acceptance marks on the frame and slide, also on the front of the slide under the barrel, all with the German eagle mark.

I have a 1943 Waffen marked High Power. One of the later ones produced, Waffen mark WaA140, with a serial number of 52747a. Which is a second sub variant suffix a, Manufactured between May 1943 and Dec 1943. These sub variants ranged in serial numbers from 1-99999. So mine as about halfway through the production cycle of this variant.

Although getting hard to find, one of the sources of information is Anthony Vanerlinden's book FN Browning Pistols. A third edtiion should be coming out Spring of 2021. Getting hard to find 2nd edition copies. On Amazon, www.amazon.com/Browning-Pistols-Shaped-World-History/dp/0970799799/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=vanderlinden+browning&qid=1609424390&sr=8-2

They also sometimes show up on eBay.

Again, post some more info on the pistols and we can get you more info.

Will post some images shortly.

[tnorris]

Hello and welcome, I suppose!

The Germans invaded Belgium on May 10, 1940 and occupied Belgium for the duration of WWll.

If you are collecting High Powers, there are two expensive books you will want to have in your library:
"The Browning High Power Automatic Pistol", R Blake Stevens
"FN Browning Pistols", Anthony Vanderlinden

"The Shooter's Guide to the Browning High Power", Stephen A Camp and his laminated assembly guide pages should also grace every collectors collection. Theses are affordable and will be referred to often.

I have an Occupation High Power made in early 1943. After a good cleaning and replacement of all springs it's a pretty accurate shooter, though I don't often bring it out. I guess it was a trophy/souvenir for a GI who brought it home at the end of the war or his service. It was sold to my local store by his daughter after his death a couple years ago. It was in OK condition and yet neglected. The wooden grips have started to "crumble" (dry rot?) so I have stored them away with all of the no longer used original parts.

The early Occupation High Powers were made with captured parts. Manufacture continued through the end of the war but quality may have suffered. Finish and polishing was not a high concern and it has been said there was sabotage or careless work among the Belgian workers at the plant. Each pistol was inspected and stamped with an acceptance mark by the Germans, so I'd think they must have functioned at that point. As I wrote above, mine functions well and shoots accurately. It was absolutely necessary to replace the more than 75 year old springs (esp Sear Spring) with new springs for shooting safety.

Acceptance mark / Waffenmacht

Right side, sporting incorrect plastic grips from a 1981 High Power

This one cost me $500 two summers ago. I had passed on another one in similar condition because gun shop guys were certain it did not work. Same with this one. I would be suspicious of one that seemed to be in fabulous condition or far over priced. If I come across another of these in similar condition at a similar price I would probably buy it.

Cheers,

Tim

[ToddSig]

A few images of the marks, last image of the correct split toe baseplate magazine.

[dabrito]

Thank you very much for the help.
I will look for the books right now.
After Jan 5th i will post a picture of my T serie,so you all can help me on the history and if retain original specs or not.
Thank you very much

[Phillip Murphy]

I have one that is 5789a. Any information on it?