Antique FN Browning Hi Power, need a little help!

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I'm sitting here looking at this gun and my photo server is not giving me access right now,

but I wanted to know if anyone can help me with this gun. A friend has it and wants to part

with it. I'm not sure what it is worth or much of anything with old Brownings, but it may end

up in my hands.

When my server allows me back in I will post pictures, but what I do know about them from

the web stuff I've seen is that some of these may be kind of valuable. This one was obtained

by his father or uncle as a trophy catch, I guess. It has the little swastikas on it and the finish

looks rough, the way it was made. Otherwise, mostly holster wear. The numbers I can see on

it are"WBA14U" or "W8A14U". The serial looks like 21668 with a cursive "L" I think, or some

type of scroll symbol I'm not familiar with. Bakelite looking brown grips and it came to me in

an old P38 holster. Looks like the two mags with it are original.

 

Anyone have any knowledge on these critters? I've seen prices on these things go from

hundreds to several thousands of dollars and I don't know what to be looking for.

I appreciate any help.

[dieewigeteufel]

I have one myself. It was given to me after my brother passed away earlier this year. The most i know about them is they are from the German occupation of Belgium and can go for 800+ depending on condition. If you get it, keep it.

[Magiccarpetrides]

If you get it and want to part with it let me know...I have a soft spot for those.

[R1100R]

A lot of knowledge here

 

http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=15

[Guest cardcutter]

If you get it let me know. I have a couple of mags for one and no pistol.

[hipower]

Also you might try Stephen A. Camp's Hipowersandhandguns.com. Real interesting site. Edited January 1, 2013 by hipower

[MarkInNashville]

I saw a couple of them at Guns For America (in Nashville) - http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CEEQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGunsForAmerica&ei=rFriUMC_OZOK9AS6gYGQBw&usg=AFQjCNGm8GRhL4hfe8xJtA72GQVkfoPFfQ&sig2=ROuEV7vUssrFqTfbm0cHgg&bvm=bv.1355534169,d.eWU 6 months ago, or so.

[Garufa]

That link to a Facebook page is not showing any Nazi Hi Powers.

[1gewehr]

The 'waffenampt' mark should be 'waa140'.  The serial number puts it right towards the end of the war.  The rough finish would be in keeping with that.  Towards the end of the war, stamps became worn and were not replaced.  So the markings can be hard to read.

 

You should be aware that late-war FN products should be treated as collector's items and fired with caution.  As the war progressed, the workers at FN became more bold and capable of sabotage by poor heat-treating, machining in defects, and causing other problems. I have a Nazi-marked HP with a tiny slot cut into the slide on the inside under the ejection port at the breech.  Brilliant work of sabotage as you REALLY have to look to see it even if you know it is there!

[Guest 6.8 AR]

That's interesting, I'll look for that. Thank you! I never planned on shooting it, but real nice to know. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk