|
|
Post by zevik on Dec 25, 2023 12:50:51 GMT -5
By way of introduction - My Forum "name" is zevik. My real name is Zev Kaptowsky. I'm originally from Los Angeles. Moved to Israel in 1972 - served in the IDF active service and reserves. Live just outside of Jerusalem with my wife. Our kids and grandkids live nearby. In 1979 I established a business, originally an ammunition reloading company. Later moving to the field of surplus military and security equipment. Company name is Contact International (Kalia) Ltd. (www.contact-kalia.com) I have purchased fairly large quantities of firearms and other equipment over the years - mainly exporting to civilian markets in the U.S. , Canada and Europe. Handguns, parts kits, parts and accessories, etc. I've kept many of these firearms for my Collection and have some interesting stuff - including many historical firearms from WW1, WW2, Israel War of Independence and periods. Includes Uzi Pistol serial number 0001 and Micro Galil - 0001. RPG-7 with stamp "Made by Fateh" (PLO), a North Korean AKM and other unusual firearms. Also some very nice Lugers and some great FN Hi Powers (which I treasure). I joined the the Forum today because I have a FN Hi Power which was probably manufactured in 1943 (with an "a" suffix in the serial number). It has markings in two locations on the slide "ESSER S". I have found nothing in the literature describing this type of marking. I was wondering if anyone has every heard of or seen this marking on a FN HP. I'm attaching some pictures of this (hope it works). Meanwhile, look forward to participating in the High Power Collectors Forum |
|
|
|
Post by tnorris on Dec 25, 2023 20:13:23 GMT -5
I joined the the Forum today because I have a FN Hi Power which was probably manufactured in 1943 (with an "a" suffix in the serial number). It has markings in two locations on the slide "ESSER S". I have found nothing in the literature describing this type of marking. I was wondering if anyone has every heard of or seen this marking on a FN HP. I'm attaching some pictures of this (hope it works). Meanwhile, look forward to participating in the High Power Collectors Forum
Welcome to the forum, Zev!
"Esser" is a German surname. My wild guess is the marks were to identify it as belonging to a man named Esser, who stamped it on the pistol himself. I would hope the marks date back to the war and the soldier who first was issued the pistol. It could also have been added at any point in time.
I would check to see if there were specific records for the pistol. I don't know they exist or if they are available if they ever did exist.
Cheers, Tim
|
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Dec 26, 2023 10:08:59 GMT -5
Hi Zev, and welcome to HPC. Looking forward to you participation.
I agree with Tim, Esser is most likely the name of a previous owner. Not sure why he would place it twice on the slide, but stranger things have been seen. Interesting, the Esser marks are rather deeply stamped, so they were done by someone with proper tools. And the locations are odd.
Many of the surplus HP coming into the US currently and in the recent past came from Israel. From what I understand Israel and FN had a long and profitable relationship. Can you tell us anything about the process, including anything on FEG, Arab country captured HPs etc. All would be very interesting to our members.
|
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Dec 26, 2023 12:33:18 GMT -5
An a suffix High Power would have Wa140 marks to go with the serial number ending with a small script a.
That should be a 1943 production ie 12345a. A 1944 would be 12345b and stopped production when the Germans were driven out of Belgium from the different texts I've read.
|
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Dec 26, 2023 12:48:57 GMT -5
My mistake, misread the OP. Was thinking of the post occupation A prefix, rather than an occupation "a" suffix (perhaps wanting it to be an A prefix model). Old eyes excuse.  Will edit my post to delete the incorrect paragraph so not to confuse. |
|
|
|
Post by cmdrcody on Dec 26, 2023 16:48:26 GMT -5
I too would be extremely happy to find a post war A series. My first postwar is a 1952 FN. My last of the FN/Browning's is a 2016 Standard with adjustable sights. I'm not searching hard but if one falls in my lap like I've experienced lately, I guess my wife will have something to be mad at me for.
|
|
|
|
Post by ToddSig on Dec 26, 2023 17:53:19 GMT -5
Not to highjack the thread....My earliest HPs are a 1943 b suffix occupation, then for post war, like you a 1951/1952 E series. Parts are date marked 1950 and 1951. I would love to get a pre war HP and an A prefix post liberation example. I always tell my wife I make trades for new to me Hi Powers, so it sounds like I am spending no or little money. But I dont get rid of my Hi Powers, so the collection only grows, never contracts. I think she just doesn't care anymore about my collecting habits (a good thing). LOL My E Series  |
|
|
|
Post by cpwlew on Jan 6, 2024 13:08:36 GMT -5
As I recall,
I have a fixed sight 'A' prefix Hi Power, The barrel is WaA140 marked. Also one (A prefix) with a tangent sight & stock slot with the barrel being marked WaA140. Both are low serial numbered.
Also have 2 - that are 4 digit serial numeres with a Capital 'A' prefix and a Capital 'B' suffix. Both of the barrels are WaA140 marked. Looks like the 'B' was added. I have a 3rd one that has the Lithuanian proof on the bottom of the butt - which can be seen when the magazine is inserted.
Obviously on hand parts were used.
|
|
|
|
Post by cpwlew on Jan 6, 2024 13:13:58 GMT -5
Not to highjack the thread....My earliest HPs are a 1943 b suffix occupation, then for post war, like you a 1951/1952 E series. Parts are date marked 1950 and 1951. I would love to get a pre war HP and an A prefix post liberation example. I always tell my wife I make trades for new to me Hi Powers, so it sounds like I am spending no or little money. But I dont get rid of my Hi Powers, so the collection only grows, never contracts. I think she just doesn't care anymore about my collecting habits (a good thing). LOL My E Series Around 5 years after I married my wife, she looked at my firearms and said that I did not have that many when we were married. She was not happy, but that changed over time when I would sell a couple to get us over a hump. I guess she realized that they were a family asset. |
|
|
|
Post by Mister Coffee on Jan 6, 2024 13:47:06 GMT -5
Not to highjack the thread....My earliest HPs are a 1943 b suffix occupation, then for post war, like you a 1951/1952 E series. Parts are date marked 1950 and 1951. I would love to get a pre war HP and an A prefix post liberation example. I always tell my wife I make trades for new to me Hi Powers, so it sounds like I am spending no or little money. But I dont get rid of my Hi Powers, so the collection only grows, never contracts. I think she just doesn't care anymore about my collecting habits (a good thing). LOL My E Series I'd like to get a ring hammer Hi-Power some day. Don't have much experience buying used, and I live in California, so there are obstacles to overcome . . .  |
|
|
|
Post by woodyb on Jan 7, 2024 15:44:34 GMT -5
Not to highjack the thread....My earliest HPs are a 1943 b suffix occupation, then for post war, like you a 1951/1952 E series. Parts are date marked 1950 and 1951. I would love to get a pre war HP and an A prefix post liberation example. I always tell my wife I make trades for new to me Hi Powers, so it sounds like I am spending no or little money. But I dont get rid of my Hi Powers, so the collection only grows, never contracts. I think she just doesn't care anymore about my collecting habits (a good thing). LOL My E Series Around 5 years after I married my wife, she looked at my firearms and said that I did not have that many when we were married. She was not happy, but that changed over time when I would sell a couple to get us over a hump. I guess she realized that they were a family asset. ToddSig That is a beautiful E series. I wish my 1948 classis was looking that good. Sadly it has seen some hard use resulting in scratches and dings.
My wife doesn't really know how many firearms I have (eventhough she needs to sign off on each firearm according to our law) and how much they cost. I keep them budget friendly, so I can move under the radar. My gunsafe is full now, so I guess the fun is over. Unless I get rid of something else.
|
|
