Browning Hi Power Renaissance Pearlite Grips
Mar 12, 2024 13:47:05 GMT -5
Mister Coffee, ruber, and 1 more like this
Post by ToddSig on Mar 12, 2024 13:47:05 GMT -5
About 8 years ago I purchased a very nice 1971C BAC Renaissance Hi Power. I got a fair deal at the time, but lacked the original Browning Pearlite grips. After an 8 year search, multiple misses on original Pearlite grips and purchases of close repro pearl-like grips (which lack any patina and are bright white, wrong shape or color) I found an original set. And, I did not pay the Renaissance premium for original grips. EBay had a pair, listed as "Vintage Browning Hi Power, Girsan MC35, EAA, Springfield SA 35 grips" and the seller must not have been familiar with the Renaissance Pearlite grips. I have seen them sell for over $300, and I got the pair for $45.
They have the proper patina, that sort of greenish/brownish/yellowish hue that many Renaissance Pearlite grips have which have not been stored away in a sealed case for 50 years or so. The patina is excellent, with only slight discoloration, which is exactly what I was looking for. I have seen some excessive discoloration on original Pearlite grips, and Vanderlinden states “This early synthetic material was however susceptible to gun oil and UV light. Most warped or shrunk and did not retain their original condition...” The set I acquired has a nice patina, just enough for a proper period set without being excessive or damaged.
I have got to say, it has been a good month or so in locating rare/scarce Hi Power grips, with my hunt for Kim Ahrends grips and now the original set of BAC Pearlite grips for my Renaissance.
They have the proper patina, that sort of greenish/brownish/yellowish hue that many Renaissance Pearlite grips have which have not been stored away in a sealed case for 50 years or so. The patina is excellent, with only slight discoloration, which is exactly what I was looking for. I have seen some excessive discoloration on original Pearlite grips, and Vanderlinden states “This early synthetic material was however susceptible to gun oil and UV light. Most warped or shrunk and did not retain their original condition...” The set I acquired has a nice patina, just enough for a proper period set without being excessive or damaged.
I have got to say, it has been a good month or so in locating rare/scarce Hi Power grips, with my hunt for Kim Ahrends grips and now the original set of BAC Pearlite grips for my Renaissance.
