FN M1935 High Power P.640(b)

 

Tangent sight WaA103 Fixed sight early  
Tangent sight WaA140 Fixed sight late  
     

 

The FN High Power was before, during and after war a particularly loved pistol. Due to my experience today, I have to say it is very hard to find a "good" one.

 

Technical data:

Caliber: 9 mm Para
Function: Browning 2nd variation; hammer outside; slide catch
Barrel length: 119 mm
Weight: 903 g
Magazine capacity: 13 rounds (notable)

Production data:

Company:

Fabrique Nationale DŽArmes de Guerre

Location:

Herstal

Period:

 1940 - 1944

Amount:

363,200

Serial numbers:

 45000 - 210000; 01a - 100000a; 01b - 63000b

The FN M1935 High Power is split in 2 major variations, according date of manufacture. Then subdivided according sight and existence of shoulder stock strap. It's also very interesting how the quality of the finish goes down with duration of war.

German occupation variation (tangent sight; no slot for shoulder stock; WaA 103; approx. 30,000 pieces)

Charakteristics:

Legend:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE DŽARMES DE GUERRE

HERSTAL BELGIQUE

BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE
Finish: good finish; blued
Grips: walnut grips; chequered
Serial number:

6-digit number with suffix right on frame

6-digit number with suffix right on slide

6-digit number with suffix right on chamber
Acceptance stamp:

E/WaA 103 left on frame

E/WaA 103 left on slide

E/WaA 103 below muzzle

E/WaA 103 left on chamber
Test proof stamp:

E HK left on frame

E HK left on slide

E HK right on chamber

 

   

 

German occupation variation (tangent sight; no slot for shoulder stock; WaA 140;
approx. 55,000 pieces)

Charakteristics:

Legend:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE DŽARMES DE GUERRE

HERSTAL BELGIQUE

BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE
Finish: good finish; blued
Grips: walnut grips; chequered
Serial number:

6-digit number with suffix right on frame

6-digit number with suffix right on slide

6-digit number with suffix right on chamber
Acceptance stamp:

E/WaA 140 left on frame

E/WaA 140 left on slide

E/WaA140 below muzzle

E/WaA 140 left on chamber
Test proof stamp:

E HK left on frame

E HK left on slide

E HK right on chamber

 
 

German occupation variation (fixed sight; approx. 228,000 pieces; good finish)

Charakteristics:

Legend:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE DŽARMES DE GUERRE

HERSTAL BELGIQUE

BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE
Finish: good finish; blued
Grips: walnut grips; chequered
Serial number:

6-digit number right on frame

6-digit number right on slide

6-digit number right on chamber
Acceptance stamp:

E/WaA 140 left on frame

E/WaA 140 left on slide

E/WaA 140 below muzzle

E/WaA 140 left on chamber
Test proof stamp:

E HK left on frame

E HK left on slide

E HK right on chamber

 

 

Holster clg44

Ernst Melzig, Lederwaren, Breslauer Str. Liegnitz (Legnica)

 

 

German occupation variation (fixed sight; approx. 228,000 pieces; Military-finish)

Charakteristics:

Legend:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE DŽARMES DE GUERRE

HERSTAL BELGIQUE

BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE
Finish: military-finish
Grips: walnut grips; chequered
Serial number:

4-digit number with suffix right on frame

4-digit number with suffix right on slide

4-digit number with suffix right on chamber
Acceptance stamp:

E/WaA 140 left on frame

E/WaA 140 left on slide

E/WaA 140 below muzzle

E/WaA 140 left on chamber
Test proof stamp:

E HK left on frame

E HK left on slide

E HK right on chamber

 

 

 

 

 
 
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