Hi/High Power T Series Serial Numbers
Mar 8, 2024 15:16:19 GMT -5
Mister Coffee, ruber, and 1 more like this
Post by ToddSig on Mar 8, 2024 15:16:19 GMT -5
We get a lot of question about late model T Series Hi/high Powers with serial numbers beyond what is listed on the Browning website. I thought it best to have a thread devoted to it, and sticky it in our Reference Materials About High Power Pistols sub forum. That way, when someone asks "why is my T Series serial number not on the Browning Hi Power chart", we can just direct them to this thread. I have started it off with some basic content and information. Please feel free to add to the thread, and post pictures of you late serial number T Series Hi Powers.
The T series Hi Power was introduced in +/-1964 and was made into the early 1970s. The Browning website states T series production ended in 1969, the chart is incorrect. Many are found well into 1972. The Browning Hi Power serial number page is incorrect, and Browning has never updated or changed it. T series have run up to the +/- T370000 or so and were produced into1972, and possibly longer. These late T Series Hi/High Powers were produced contemporaneously with the early C series Hi Powers.
Eastman's Guide to Browning's Sporting Firearms Serial Numbers states they are known to go up to 364,280. The late T series and early C series overlap some. So dont be concerned with the serial number if it is above T260000, it is fine and absolutely correct. There are plenty of examples of both Browning marked and FN marked T series Hi/High powers with post T261000/1969 serial numbers. If you are looking to date your late T Series Hi Power and it is not on the "official chart", you need to look for the production date on the major components (barrel lug is a good starting point). That should get you close.
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, and because of that many collectors and enthusiast find them desirable with many willing to pay premiums for fine examples. After about 1970 or so many processes were automated.
Hi Power serial number page from the Browning website. Incorrectly showing the highest T series Hi Power at T260000
Eastmans Bronwing Hi Power Serial Number page, note the T series comment, circled in red.
1972 T series serial number,FN Surplus T377390
Production date of the barrel from an FN surplus High Power, (above) showing 1st Quarter 1972, so the assembly date should be shortly thereafter.
BAC marked Hi Power, with a T288089 serial number (recently sold on Gunbroker), 27,089 over the T261,000 listed on the Browning Hi Power serial number webpage.
Years ago, Rock Island Auction offered a Tangent, Browning Arms Company with serial number T362387 (only single sided images, serial number listed in catalog)
The T series Hi Power was introduced in +/-1964 and was made into the early 1970s. The Browning website states T series production ended in 1969, the chart is incorrect. Many are found well into 1972. The Browning Hi Power serial number page is incorrect, and Browning has never updated or changed it. T series have run up to the +/- T370000 or so and were produced into1972, and possibly longer. These late T Series Hi/High Powers were produced contemporaneously with the early C series Hi Powers.
Eastman's Guide to Browning's Sporting Firearms Serial Numbers states they are known to go up to 364,280. The late T series and early C series overlap some. So dont be concerned with the serial number if it is above T260000, it is fine and absolutely correct. There are plenty of examples of both Browning marked and FN marked T series Hi/High powers with post T261000/1969 serial numbers. If you are looking to date your late T Series Hi Power and it is not on the "official chart", you need to look for the production date on the major components (barrel lug is a good starting point). That should get you close.
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, and because of that many collectors and enthusiast find them desirable with many willing to pay premiums for fine examples. After about 1970 or so many processes were automated.
Hi Power serial number page from the Browning website. Incorrectly showing the highest T series Hi Power at T260000
Eastmans Bronwing Hi Power Serial Number page, note the T series comment, circled in red.
1972 T series serial number,FN Surplus T377390
Production date of the barrel from an FN surplus High Power, (above) showing 1st Quarter 1972, so the assembly date should be shortly thereafter.
BAC marked Hi Power, with a T288089 serial number (recently sold on Gunbroker), 27,089 over the T261,000 listed on the Browning Hi Power serial number webpage.
Years ago, Rock Island Auction offered a Tangent, Browning Arms Company with serial number T362387 (only single sided images, serial number listed in catalog)
