First BHP

[michael65]

This is my first Browning High Power. My father bought it in 1969 ( he thinks). He put about 50 rounds through it, cleaned it and put it in the leather bag it came in.

He did carry it with us on road trips/vacations. Back in 95 or 96 i took it out and cleaned it. It was pretty gummed up then took it  behind the barn and put 10 rounds through it. I cleaned it again and handed it back. A few weeks ago gave it to me. It was gummed up all over again. The barrel has some stains as seen in the pics

( if the links work). The serial number shows it to be a 1968 T series. Not sure what all the other markings are under the slide and on the barrel. any help would be appreciated.

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[ToddSig]

Welcome to HPC michael65

What a great gift from your father, congratulations. I am sure it will clean up nicely.

Your example is a Browning Arms Company import which was the importer for the US of arms manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium. The Hi Power was partially designed by John Browning and manufactured by FN The T series Hi Power was introduced in +/-1964 and were made until the early 1970s. The Browning website states T series production ended in 1969 but that is not correct. While not rare, many collectors find the T series desirable due to them being considered the last of highly finished Hi Powers. They were still hand fitted and polished. After about 1970 or so many processes were automated.

Regarding marks, on the barrel is an 8 with three lines around it, this is a production date of the barrel, dating it to the 2nd quarter of 1968. The * over W is a proof inspector, belonging to Nicolas Wolf who inspected between 1952-1968. The crown over ELG is the Epreuve de Liege, Proof of Liege, the final proof, showing the barrel passed final inspection. The lion over PV is a smokeless powder proof. Other marks are mostly inspection and quality control marks.

The T series is not rare, but fine examples in very good condition, like yours typically will bring a premium. Also, make sure you hang onto the zippered case, it is part of the package collectors look for.

BTW, my HPC avatar image is of a 1968 T with zippered case.

Thanks for sharing.

[michael65]

Thank you for the information on all of the marks. I do have a question regarding mags.My dad only had 1 mag with it and don't remember if it came with any others(if so they are long gone) he is 88 years old now. Will 13/15 round mags for sale now days work? I know more about Mr Browning's earlier accomplishment, the 1911.

[ToddSig]

In my opinion best place to purchase HP mags is Greg Cote. Excellent prices, fast shipping. Website is

gregcotellc.com/cart/browning-springfield-sa35-c-121/

You should only use the early FN/browning mags or the later Mec-Gar mags, either 13 or 15 rounds. Mec-Gar, since around the 1980s has been the OEM mag supplier for the HP at FN.

Regarding the mag you have, either post an image or check to see if there is a production date. The production date mark should be a small number with lines or partial lines around it.  It is typically found on backside of the mag, just above the floor plate. It of course would be nice to have the original mag.

Image from a 1967 mag

[michael65]

like this?

[ToddSig]

Yeah, thats it. Hard to read, but to my eye it looks like a mirror image 5 (notice on my example above the 7 is backwards). The two lines around it would indicate 2nd quarter of 1965. Could have been new/old stock that was used, not unheard of from FN. Between the nice condition of the T series, the zippered case, possibly original mag, now only missing a period manual for a complete package.

Here is what the proper manual should look like. Be cautious if you are searching for one, as there are reproduction manuals which are sold as period correct.


highpowercollectors.proboards.com/post/7954/thread