German Occupation, WW2-c.1943, FN Browning Hi-Power / Pistole 640(b), WaA140, Serial 45800a, Matching Nos, EU Deactivated

*German Occupation, WW2-c.1943, FN Browning Hi-Power / Pistole 640(b), WaA140, Serial 45800a, Matching Nos, EU Deactivated*

An original Second World War FN Browning Hi-Power semi-automatic pistol, manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre (FN), Herstal, Belgium, during the German occupation of Belgium in WWII. This example bears multiple German Waffenamt WaA140 acceptance markings and falls within the desirable 1943 “a” suffix serial production block, identifying it as a Wehrmacht-contract occupation pistol officially designated by the Germans as the Pistole 640(b).

The pistol retains matching serial number 45800a to the frame, slide, and barrel, with the serial repeated correctly beneath the slide and visible through the barrel inspection window. Multiple WaA140 Waffenamt inspection marks remain present throughout the pistol, including to the slide and frame, confirming German military acceptance during wartime FN production.

The left side of the slide remains crisply marked: “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE / HERSTAL BELGIQUE” together with the “BROWING’S PATENT DEPOSE” legend beneath.

This is the classic fixed-sight wartime occupation configuration introduced during simplified German-controlled production, lacking the earlier tangent rear sight and shoulder-stock slot associated with pre-war Belgian military contract pistols. These fixed-sight WaA140-marked Hi-Powers were widely issued to Wehrmacht, Waffen-SS, Fallschirmjäger, and occupation forces throughout the latter half of the war.

The accompanying magazine also displays authentic wartime occupation characteristics. The base plate bears a boxed Belgian factory inspection cartouche, visible as a boxed “7” stamp confirming original Fabrique Nationale manufacture. Adjacent remains a faint but identifiable German Waffenamt eagle acceptance mark, softened through service wear and mild pitting but entirely consistent with original FN Wehrmacht-contract magazines produced during the occupation period.

The pistol is accompanied by its Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House EU Deactivation Certificate numbered 191707, dated 19 January 2026. The certificate records the pistol as an FN 9mm semi-automatic pistol with serial number 45800 and confirms deactivation to current EU specification standards.

Mechanically, the slide retracts correctly and the barrel assembly moves as expected. Due to the current EU specification deactivation process, the pistol does not cock or dry-fire.

Approx. Measurements – Approx. 19.5 cm overall length with 4.5 inch barrel.

History Note:
The Browning Hi-Power was originally developed by the legendary American firearms designer John Moses Browning and subsequently completed by FN engineer Dieudonné Saive following Browning’s death in 1926. Officially adopted by Belgium in 1935, the Hi-Power rapidly became one of the most advanced and influential military pistols of the twentieth century due to its high-capacity 13-round magazine and robust design.

Following the German invasion and occupation of Belgium in May 1940, the FN Herstal factory was seized and placed under Wehrmacht supervision. Production of the Hi-Power continued for German military issue under the designation Pistole 640(b), with Waffenamt acceptance stamps applied throughout manufacture. Early occupation pistols retained tangent sights and shoulder-stock cuts, while later wartime production — such as this example — adopted simplified fixed sights and streamlined machining to accelerate wartime output. Original WaA140-marked FN Hi-Powers remain among the most sought-after Axis sidearms of the Second World War.

*Condition*
An honest and untouched wartime example displaying extensive service wear and age throughout. The original blued finish has largely worn to a smooth grey-brown combat-aged patina with scattered oxidation, freckling, edge wear, and areas of light surface pitting consistent with long-term handling and storage. The slide legends, serial numbers, and Waffenamt acceptance marks remain visible and legible throughout. The original wooden grip panels remain intact and secure, displaying expected service wear, age darkening, and minor surface marks from period use. The accompanying magazine shows matching age and wear, retaining both the boxed Belgian inspection cartouche and faint Waffenamt acceptance eagle to the base plate. The slide retracts correctly and the barrel assembly moves freely; however, the pistol does not cock or dry-fire due to its EU deactivated specification and associated internal modifications. Accompanied by its Birmingham Proof House EU Deactivation Certificate dated 2026. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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