Can You Tell Me More On This One????

[muherd]

Hey all,

My shooting buddy just sent me these pics and asked if I could help him find more info on it. Serial number is 196382

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!!

Attachments:

[ToddSig]

From what I see, based on the serial number and the WaA140 Waffen mark you have what is referred to as the first sub variant standard serial number occupation fixed sight High Power. According to Anthony Vanerlinden's 3rd edition, page 749, the fixed sight version was introduced in Dec 1942 and ran through August 1944. The first sub variant, your Buddy's model, were produced between Dec 1942 and April 1943. The serial numbers for these early occupation fixed sight versions was between 140000 and 210000 with approximately 14,000 produced each month. So this model with serial number 196382 would be late March or early April 1943.

According to Vanderlinden, the pistol should have the following

• German test proof and multiple WaA140 marks
• no Liege proofs or Belgian military acceptance marks
• Serial number and German proof marks on barrel, visible through ejection port. (you should check the barrel and see if it is a replacement)
• Some parts are no longer exchangeable with earlier modes, such as the extractor
• Grips no longer have red finish to the back side
• Magazine tubes are blued
• Magazine safety is still present

Vanderlinden notes that "WaA140 pistols are prone to parts breakage under repeated firing"

Your friends pistol is a nice example of the first fixed sight German occupation High Power and appears to be in very good condition for its age. He should take it apart and look for more marks, and double check the barrel. Also, remove grips and check to see if original as well as the magazine. The mag if original should have the split tail base plate and might have the WaA140 mark.

[cmdrcody]

This high power has been painted and the paint is clearly visible in the serial number and other marks. FN did produce pistols painted black pre war and post war so it may be valid. But it appears to be painted post war since I can see signs of corrosion under the paint.