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Nazi Belgium Hi Power

webley
Anybody know the year mfg of this FN #611xx with an "a" at the end of the six digit serial number? I know the FN factory was under German control from 1940-45.
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Date Votes
  • Spring Creek
    Regarding Waffenamt issues, the serialization system was changed after
    pistol No. 200,000; in 1942. A letter suffix was introduced in blocks of
    100,000 pistols (example: pistol 20a is actually pistol No. 20 or pistol
    No. 200,020 depending if the Germans considered it a new start or a
    continuation of the previous range). Pistol No. 42b is actually pistol 100,042
    or 300,042.
    This type of serialization was not unique to FN, many German factories
    were using this system by 1943.
    Having myself, visited numerous times with Anthony Vanderlinden
    (Belgian Browning Pistol authority) about serial
    numbers in this range, I would conclude mid 1943.


    NRA Benefactor Life Member
    Browning Collectors Association
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  • webley
    I should add that the pistol came with plastic grips.
    Also, thank you.
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  • Spring Creek
    The "Bakelite" grips would be correct for this serial # range,
    as they were introduced shortly before-ON THE FIXED SIGHT MODELS.
    Captured "wood" grip supply had been exhausted and the "Bakelite"
    technology allowed for a new material and source of supply.

    NRA Benefactor Life Member
    Browning Collectors Association
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