Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this semi-automatic pistol today for a penny-start auction, this is the Fabrique Nationale (FN) Hi-Power.
The small arch on the right side of the trigger guard bow features the "SILESIA" stamp, the trademark of Krüger & Co., a prominent German importer based in the Hanover area. These scarce, Silesia-marked examples were distributed throughout the West German commercial market. A number of them were purchased by U.S. servicemen stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, who later brought them back to America.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale (FN)
Model: Hi-Power
Serial: 44856
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Dovetailed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut "Red-Backed" Grips with Checkering
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE", along with "BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE", and proof marks. The left side of the frame is also marked with proof marks. The right side of the slide and frame is marked with the serial number "44856". The small arch on the right side of the trigger guard bow features the "SILESIA" stamp, the trademark of Krüger & Co., a prominent German importer based in the Hanover area. These scarce, Silesia-marked examples were distributed throughout the West German commercial market. A number of them were purchased by U.S. servicemen stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, who later brought them back to America.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Mention the name “John Moses Browning” to knowledgeable American gun owners, and their usual reaction is profound respect and great appreciation. This admiration is for good reason: though he died a century ago, John Browning either created or influenced the design of many of the most iconic pistols, lever-action rifles, semi-automatic shotguns, and machine guns in use today. Despite his considerable fame, there is another facet of Browning’s life that is less well-known to American gun owners yet critically important. That story involves Mr. Browning’s intricate and prolific relationship with a Belgian arms factory now known as Fabrique Nationale Herstal (a.k.a. “FN Herstal” or simply “FN”). The exclusive partnership between Mr. Browning and FN began in 1897 and continued long past Browning’s death in 1926 to today, heavily influencing firearms history. The Browning Hi-Power (also known as the High-Power) is a legendary 9mm semi-automatic handgun born from this corporate union. Initially, the project was started at the request of FN in 1921 to meet a French military requirement, leading Browning to file for patent applications in 1923, which were granted posthumously in 1927. Rather than being acquired from his estate or shelved, the design was continuously developed and improved by FN’s Chief Designer Dieudonné Saive, who added a high-capacity 13-round magazine and finalized the handgun once key Colt M1911 patents expired.
Model: Hi-Power
Serial: 44856
Caliber: 9mm
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 4 5/8"
Optics/Sights: Fixed Blade Front with Dovetailed Notch Rear
Stock/Grips: Walnut "Red-Backed" Grips with Checkering
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Standard / The left side of the slide is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE", along with "BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE", and proof marks. The left side of the frame is also marked with proof marks. The right side of the slide and frame is marked with the serial number "44856". The small arch on the right side of the trigger guard bow features the "SILESIA" stamp, the trademark of Krüger & Co., a prominent German importer based in the Hanover area. These scarce, Silesia-marked examples were distributed throughout the West German commercial market. A number of them were purchased by U.S. servicemen stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, who later brought them back to America.
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Mention the name “John Moses Browning” to knowledgeable American gun owners, and their usual reaction is profound respect and great appreciation. This admiration is for good reason: though he died a century ago, John Browning either created or influenced the design of many of the most iconic pistols, lever-action rifles, semi-automatic shotguns, and machine guns in use today. Despite his considerable fame, there is another facet of Browning’s life that is less well-known to American gun owners yet critically important. That story involves Mr. Browning’s intricate and prolific relationship with a Belgian arms factory now known as Fabrique Nationale Herstal (a.k.a. “FN Herstal” or simply “FN”). The exclusive partnership between Mr. Browning and FN began in 1897 and continued long past Browning’s death in 1926 to today, heavily influencing firearms history. The Browning Hi-Power (also known as the High-Power) is a legendary 9mm semi-automatic handgun born from this corporate union. Initially, the project was started at the request of FN in 1921 to meet a French military requirement, leading Browning to file for patent applications in 1923, which were granted posthumously in 1927. Rather than being acquired from his estate or shelved, the design was continuously developed and improved by FN’s Chief Designer Dieudonné Saive, who added a high-capacity 13-round magazine and finalized the handgun once key Colt M1911 patents expired.
The resulting pistol excelled in French trials, but France ultimately chose a path of domestic protectionism — passing on the 9mm design — to adopt its homegrown 7.65mm Modèle 1935 instead. Consequently, the Hi-Power was adopted first in Belgium as the Model 1935, soon spreading to the Belgian police, the British Commonwealth (UK, Canada, Australia), and dozens of other nations. Ultimately, the Hi-Power achieved unique historical significance as the only major sidearm to serve prominently on both sides in WWII — manufactured for Germany in occupied Belgium as the Pistole 640(b), and produced for the Allies by the John Inglis Co. in Canada.
Contents:
This example will ship with one 13-round magazine.
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. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1185691770 |
BidPrice: |
26 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-07-12 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
705 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-07-12 17:14:20 |
