Need help dating FN Hi Power Aus. Pol. PICS ADDED
I have a sweet old Belgian made FN/Browning Hi Power 9mm. It has Austrian rural police unit code markings on the front strap, LGK with unit number. I know these pistols were made sometime in the 1950's, and have found a bit of history about the Austrian police heritage. It has a four digit serial number, 41xx and is all matching and in about 90% condition with two original numbered mags and a non-original but correct service holster.
My question is how can I tell when it was mfg'ed?? Since the serial info for HP's seem to only be reliable post-'57, I can't really tell when it was born. Plus the four digit serial doesn't seem to fit with the vintage.
Any ideas?? I read a vague description about mfg date markings on the frame, slide and barrel, something about sides of a square around a number, but am unclear as to where these marks might be and what the mean.
Sorry, can't post pics till tonight.
Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks fellas![;)]
EDIT #1: I have disassembled the pistol to try to find these marks and don't see any that would be in a square. I'll look on the trigger guard and see what I can find.
EDIT #2: Earl, the grips are wood. I didn't find any kind of German proofs on the gun, but will look more closely when I get home from work tonight. Thanks!
EDIT #3: OK, finally got some pics of the FN/BHP in question. I tried to get the proofs as good as I could. Let me know what you guys think. It has the ring hammer, internal extractor, fixed sights, and is NOT slotted for stock. It also looks like the back of the grips are pianted red/orange? Thanks again and let me know if I can clear anything up for you guys.[;)]
My question is how can I tell when it was mfg'ed?? Since the serial info for HP's seem to only be reliable post-'57, I can't really tell when it was born. Plus the four digit serial doesn't seem to fit with the vintage.
Any ideas?? I read a vague description about mfg date markings on the frame, slide and barrel, something about sides of a square around a number, but am unclear as to where these marks might be and what the mean.
Sorry, can't post pics till tonight.
Any and all info would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks fellas![;)]
EDIT #1: I have disassembled the pistol to try to find these marks and don't see any that would be in a square. I'll look on the trigger guard and see what I can find.
EDIT #2: Earl, the grips are wood. I didn't find any kind of German proofs on the gun, but will look more closely when I get home from work tonight. Thanks!
EDIT #3: OK, finally got some pics of the FN/BHP in question. I tried to get the proofs as good as I could. Let me know what you guys think. It has the ring hammer, internal extractor, fixed sights, and is NOT slotted for stock. It also looks like the back of the grips are pianted red/orange? Thanks again and let me know if I can clear anything up for you guys.[;)]
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The number inside the square is the DOM, i.e. 6=1956, 7=1957 etc.
EDIT #1, I have seen the number inside the partial square on the trigger guard and on the top of the frame, only visible when the slide is removed.0 -
Your 10th photo down, underside of barrel with the 8 in the square. Most likely is 1958. That is kind of late though, probably a replacement barrel. Austrian pistols should date to the mid 50's. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
After the Governor of California fiasco, I would recommend against dating a F'n high powered Austrian.
LMAO! Good one.....[:D]0
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