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Parkerized "Baby" Browning?

Marv
I came across a Parkerized Baby Browning yesterday. I assumed it was refinished by someone but I'm not sure. The gun showed no signs of pitting or abuse as the "satin" finish was very uniform and all surfaces were flat, the edges straight and all markings were very crisp. It was so clean I can't understand why it would have been refinished.

The things that makes me wonder about it are the markings/proof marks on the slide and frame. They are just above the trigger, and below the ejection port. One is the stylized dragon over P.V indicating it was proofed in Liege for Parabellum pistols. The other mark is a five point star over a C. I can not find this one and don't know what it means. The serial number is 207185 and it was made in 1960. I tried taking pictures of it with my new cell phone and the results aren't fit to post.

My questions are. Did Browning ever make a Baby with a parkerized finish? And, what does the star over a C proof mark indicate? Any help or information would be appreciated.

Thanks
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Comments

3 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    "Star over C" is standard Belgian inspectors proof. Each inspector had a specific letter to identify him.

    Never heard of or saw a parkerized baby Browning, not likely it's factory if made in 1960. The only ones that weren't blued were the one made with Aluminum frames, that were left in the polished white finish.
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  • Marv
    Thanks rufe-snow for the info.
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  • v35
    I carried a Baby Browning daily in the pants pocket in the '60s and the finish wore on all corners and sharp edges.
    More importantly, the sharp corners made holes in my pockets.
    I "melted" corners and edges and reblued it, including barrel, with Herters Belgian Blue.
    It held up very well.
    I can understand wanting to Parkerize it for a more durable finish on a carry gun.
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