Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this LIMITED EDITION semi-automatic rifle for a penny-start auction; this is the Browning Centennial Model Hi-Power!
The Browning Hi-Power Centennial was manufactured exclusively in 1978, with a limited production run of just 3,500 units, making it an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after model among discerning firearm collectors.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Browning
Model: Centennial Model Hi-Power
Serial: 1878D-0473
Date of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Chrome with Gold Trigger
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with “B” in a Circle
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The right side of the slide is marked “BROWNING CENTENNIAL / = 1878 - 1978 =.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Centennial Model Hi-Power is a special commemorative edition that celebrates John Browning’s enduring pistol legacy while marrying classic Hi-Power function with elevated presentation. Built in 1978 to mark Browning’s centennial, this variant follows the fixed-sight Hi-Power form but is distinguished by a bright chrome plating, tasteful relief engraving on the slide with the inscription “Browning Centennial / 1878–1978,” and finely checkered walnut grips bearing the circular “B” medallion. Mechanically, it retains the proven Browning GP-35 layout—single-action, short-recoil locked-breech operation with a high-capacity double-stack magazine—delivering the same smooth single-action trigger, crisp lockup, and reliable feeding that made the Hi-Power a favorite with militaries and competitive shooters worldwide. The case-included presentation format and a limited production of 3,500 units produced in 1978 make the Centennial examples visually striking shooters that were intended as both functional pistols and collector’s pieces. From a practical and collector’s perspective, the Centennial Model combines attractive aesthetics with sound shooting characteristics, but there are tradeoffs and provenance considerations buyers should note. The chrome plating provides excellent corrosion resistance and a showy finish, yet it can mask slide-to-frame fit issues or hide wear that would be more obvious on blued guns; polishing and re-plating history can also affect value. Performance-wise, the pistol behaves as a standard fixed-sight Hi-Power: a comfortable grip angle, generous sight radius for a service-length barrel, and inherently controllable recoil when using standard 9×19mm loads. Collectability is driven by condition, presence of the original Browning case and documentation, matching serials, and preservation of the walnut grips and Centennial engraving. For prospective owners and collectors, inspect bore and crown, check the slide/frame fit and timing, verify magazine condition (and original capacity), and confirm originality of the finish and engravings—examples with original case, papers, and minimal refinishing command the strongest premiums. Overall, the Centennial Hi-Power is both a handsome tribute to Browning’s influence and a practical, shootable reminder of 20th-century handgun design—ideal for collectors who want a commemorative piece that still performs like a true Hi-Power.
Contents:
Model: Centennial Model Hi-Power
Serial: 1878D-0473
Date of Manufacture: 1978
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Chrome with Gold Trigger
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Checkered Walnut with “B” in a Circle
Action: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: Standard / The right side of the slide is marked “BROWNING CENTENNIAL / = 1878 - 1978 =.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Centennial Model Hi-Power is a special commemorative edition that celebrates John Browning’s enduring pistol legacy while marrying classic Hi-Power function with elevated presentation. Built in 1978 to mark Browning’s centennial, this variant follows the fixed-sight Hi-Power form but is distinguished by a bright chrome plating, tasteful relief engraving on the slide with the inscription “Browning Centennial / 1878–1978,” and finely checkered walnut grips bearing the circular “B” medallion. Mechanically, it retains the proven Browning GP-35 layout—single-action, short-recoil locked-breech operation with a high-capacity double-stack magazine—delivering the same smooth single-action trigger, crisp lockup, and reliable feeding that made the Hi-Power a favorite with militaries and competitive shooters worldwide. The case-included presentation format and a limited production of 3,500 units produced in 1978 make the Centennial examples visually striking shooters that were intended as both functional pistols and collector’s pieces. From a practical and collector’s perspective, the Centennial Model combines attractive aesthetics with sound shooting characteristics, but there are tradeoffs and provenance considerations buyers should note. The chrome plating provides excellent corrosion resistance and a showy finish, yet it can mask slide-to-frame fit issues or hide wear that would be more obvious on blued guns; polishing and re-plating history can also affect value. Performance-wise, the pistol behaves as a standard fixed-sight Hi-Power: a comfortable grip angle, generous sight radius for a service-length barrel, and inherently controllable recoil when using standard 9×19mm loads. Collectability is driven by condition, presence of the original Browning case and documentation, matching serials, and preservation of the walnut grips and Centennial engraving. For prospective owners and collectors, inspect bore and crown, check the slide/frame fit and timing, verify magazine condition (and original capacity), and confirm originality of the finish and engravings—examples with original case, papers, and minimal refinishing command the strongest premiums. Overall, the Centennial Hi-Power is both a handsome tribute to Browning’s influence and a practical, shootable reminder of 20th-century handgun design—ideal for collectors who want a commemorative piece that still performs like a true Hi-Power.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original hardwood presentation case, which is lined with red velvet and fitted with a silver plaque stamped with "1878 / BROWNING CENTENNIAL / 1978" on the lid.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
