*Belgium, c.Late 1940s, FN Browning Hi-Power (P35) Semi-Automatic Pistol, 9mm, Serial No. 1223, Early Commercial Production, EU Spec Deactivated*
- Early Belgian commercial FN Browning Hi-Power (P35)
- Matching serial number 1223 to frame and slide
- Desirable early features including internal extractor, ring hammer and thumbprint slide
- Original FN Herstal commercial slide legend
- Original walnut grip panels
- Supplied with a detachable Italian-made Mec-Gar magazine
- EU Specification deactivated with Birmingham Proof House certificate dated 19 January 2026
An original Belgian FN Browning Hi-Power (P35) semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9mm Parabellum, representing an attractive example of early post-war commercial production. Manufactured by Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre, Herstal, Belgium, the left side of the slide is crisply roll-marked:
"FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE
HERSTAL-BELGIQUE
BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE"
The pistol is serial numbered 1223, with the number repeated on both the frame and slide. It retains a number of desirable early production features including the original internal extractor, ring hammer, thumbprint slide relief cuts, fine vertical cocking serrations and fixed military-pattern sights. These characteristics are associated with earlier Hi-Power production prior to FN's adoption of the external extractor during the early 1960s.
The combination of its exceptionally low four-digit serial number together with these early design features identifies this as an early post-war commercial FN Hi-Power -
most likely during the late 1940s. Manufactured during the first years of civilian production following the Second World War, it represents one of the earliest generations of Belgian-made commercial P35 pistols before later manufacturing changes gradually simplified the design. The low four-digit serial number and early production features
The frame and slide retain their original Belgian proof and FN factory inspection marks, including several inspector's stamps, all consistent with commercial manufacture at Herstal. The original walnut grip panels remain fitted and complement the pistol's classic profile.
The pistol is supplied with a detachable modern Italian-made Mec-Gar magazine marked "PATENT 5,353,537 – MADE IN ITALY CALIBER 9MM LUGER", a high-quality replacement magazine rather than an original FN example.
Approximate Measurements: Overall length: 19.5cm: Barrel length: 4.5 inches: Calibre: 9mm Parabellum
History Note:
The Browning Hi-Power was one of the most influential military pistols of the twentieth century. Designed by John Moses Browning and completed after his death by FN designer Dieudonné Saive, the pistol entered production in 1935 and introduced the revolutionary combination of a short recoil operating system with a high-capacity 13-round magazine. Following the Second World War, FN resumed production at Herstal, supplying Hi-Powers to military, police and civilian markets around the world. Early post-war commercial examples retained many of the original pre-war design features, including the internal extractor, ring hammer and distinctive thumbprint slide reliefs seen on this pistol. These early commercial pistols remain particularly sought after for their close relationship to the original P35 design before later manufacturing changes simplified production.
*Condition*
Presented in good overall condition with honest age-related wear consistent with careful use. The original blued finish shows expected holster wear to exposed edges together with scattered light scratches, finish thinning and minor areas of age-related oxidation. The original FN commercial slide legend remains clear and legible, while the Belgian proof and factory inspection marks are still visible throughout. The original walnut grips display an attractive aged colour with light handling marks but no significant damage. The ring hammer, internal extractor, thumbprint slide and fixed sights are all retained. The supplied Mec-Gar magazine is in very good condition and fits the pistol correctly. An attractive early Belgian FN Browning Hi-Power retaining matching frame and slide serial numbers, original commercial markings, internal extractor, ring hammer, thumbprint slide and walnut grips, complete with detachable magazine and current Birmingham Proof House EU Specification deactivation certificate. Please view photographs as part of the condition report.
Deactivation:
Deactivated to current EU Specification and accompanied by its Birmingham Gun Barrel Proof House Deactivation Certificate (Certificate No. 191573), certified 19 January 2026. The certificate records the manufacturer as F.N., type Semi Automatic Pistol, calibre 9mm, serial number 1223, and a 4.5-inch barrel. The pistol bears the appropriate EU/CIP deactivation markings and is fully compliant with current UK and EU deactivation regulations.
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