WWII Bringback

griz

March 04, 2003 14:36

Semi auto pistol brought back by WWII Vet complete with authorization paperwork. Pistol comes with what appears to be original leather holster molded to shape of gun. Holster has extra clip holder loop on front (top). Stamped inside holster flap is:

"Nur for lange Browning"
"Pistole Kal 7.65"

The gun itself has checkered (walnut?) wooden grips. The bluing is 95% plus. Overall appears in mint condition.

On the right side is stamped what appears to be the serial # 39xxx on the slide, barrel, bolt, and frame - all matching. The serial # is followed by what appears to be a proof mark which is hard to describe. It appears to be like a comma, a script lowercase L, and a capital M - all attached and at an angle as in cursive writing.

On the left side, top of frame is:

"FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DEGERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE"
"BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE"

Also on the left side at various locations are four proof marks. One is "(H". The other three appear to be a nazi eagle, two with the following number below - "WaA140". The other with no number below.

Caliber? Ammo Availability? Value?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

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  kingjoey

  March 04, 2003 14:42

  I'm not sure about the model off-hand, but the caliber is probably 7.65 Browning (aka 32 ACP)[;)]
  
  

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  p3skyking

  March 04, 2003 14:45

  Sounds like you have a standard 1922 Browning in .32 ACP. Ammo is all over. Value around $200ish although the holster should add a bit to the total. Made in Belgium under Occupation. See Still's "AXIS PISTOLS" for complete information.

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  rufe-snow

  March 04, 2003 14:51

  Model 1922 Browning. Chambered for the .32 ACP cartridge, everybody carries the ammo even WalMart.$200 to $300, if in excellent condition. Your pistol was made during the Kraut occupation of Belgium, more then 200,000 were made for them.

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  mark christian

  March 04, 2003 15:48

  The 1922 was one of the most popular pistols for police issue in the years between WWI and WWII. These were widely marketed by FN in Serbia, Greece, and Turkey and I have often come across them in Bulgaria and Romania. FN kept production of this model going until at least 1980. it is interesting to note that this Browning design has a total of only 29 parts- including the magazine. I would be inclined to agree with RUFE-SNOW's values- probably into the $300+ range if your example is as nice as you say and has a holster included. As mentioned, ammunition is available nearly everywhere.
  
  If you do shoot your pistol, keep in mind that to disassemble it you lock the slide open with the safety engaging the forward notch, rotate the barrel about 1/3 of a turn clockwise, release the safety and release the slide with the barrel from the frame. That information may save you a bit of grief if you do not already have correct insrtuctions for field stripping. I love pocket automatics, particularly Brownings, and the Model 1922 is a favorite.
  
  Mark T. Christian

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  jonk

  March 04, 2003 18:12

  Great little gun. I picked one up for just over $100 as the outside was quite rusty, but patient buffing and oiling left a rather nice browned finish to the Browning!
  
  Fun and as accurate as can be expected. I picked up an extra mag and a 1950s East German holster for mine.
  
  Interesting note- some say, though no one seems to know for sure, that since the barrel can basically be dropped out, simply swapping the barrel and mag for its .380 counterpart will change caliber on this piece. Anyone know?
  
  "...hit your enemy in the belly, and kick him when he is down, and boil his prisoners in oil- if you take any- and torture his women and children. Then people will keep clear of you..." -Admiral of the Fleet Lord Fisher, speaking at the Hague Peace Conf

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