Help dating an FN Hi-Power

[GKar]

Picked up a FN Belgian Hi-Power earlier in the week.  FN Herstal stamping (not Browning) on LS of the slide, with the thumbprint notch on the RS of the slide.  S/N is five digit 30xxx, matching throughout.  Has the "lion over P.V" proof marks, along with an inspector's mark "star over M".  Internal extractor, fixed sights, no stock slot, round skeletonized hammer.  I'm thinking maybe early 50's - anyone here got any experience dating these things?

 

Yeah, I know...without pics...

 

 

[LawEnforcementSalesTN]

Well, first you want to talk nice to it... maybe buy it some flowers, tell it that it sure is purdy ;o) ... J.K... sorry, couldn't resist.. Always love when a "dating" question comes up ;o)

 

http://hipowertalk.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=871

 

Seems to be all in the proofing but note the comment about the serial numbers being all over the board.  You may can pick up some useful info from the site though.

 

Good luck, looks in great condition given its expected age.  Nice snag!

Edited September 5, 2013 by LawEnforcementSalesTN

[GKar]

Heading out tomorrow for "our first time together"...I'll be sure to bring flowers, but I think she is gonna provide the smokes...

 

Thanks for the link.  Yeah, I've heard about FN's serial number practices in the early days.

 

Pistol seems in really nice shape - fit is good and tight.  Bore is nice and bright, good definitions.  Some holster wear on the finish, but not bad at all.  Grips are in good shape - no cracks, etc, and have the original marks on the "red" insides.

[Moped]

I don't think you can beat a Hi-Power! Congrats!

[i1afli]

NICE!