Posted: 8/6/2008 8:44:01 PM EDT
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For all our gun gurus... Not sure if this is going to be hard or easy. I can't find out much about it. I recently inherited a 9mm pistol from my grandfather that came back from WWII. I know the obvious such as manufacturer, but that's about it. I don't know anything about it other than he didn't have it with him when he left, and had it when he got back. Can you guys help me identify it? I tried to get pics from all sides. The crown and "W" is on the top of the barrel. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05545.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05541.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05540.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05539.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05533.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05530.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v356/Marked/DSC05534.jpg |
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FN Model 1910 From WIki The FN Model 1910 was a departure for Browning. Before, his designs were produced by both FN in Europe and Colt Firearms in the United States. Since Colt did not want to produce it, Browning chose to patent and produce this design in Europe only. Introduced in 1910, this pistol used a novel operating spring location surrounding the barrel. This location became the standard in such future weapons as the Walther PPK and Russian Makarov. It incorporated the standard Browning striker-firing mechanism and a grip safety along with a magazine safety and an external safety lever (known as the "triple safety") in a compact package. Offered in both .380 ACP (6-round magazine) and .32 ACP (7-round magazine) calibers, it remained in production until 1983. An FN M1910 chambered in 9x17mm Browning Short (.380 ACP) (serial numbers 19074, 19075, 19120 and 19126 were purchased for the Black Hand members; the specific one used was not identified) was the handgun used by Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, precipitating the First World War. [1] [edit] Variants FN Model 1922 7,65mm FN Model 1922 7,65mm A variant of the Model 1910 was known variously as the Model 1922 or 1910/22. This was a larger model with a longer barrel, slide extension, and a longer grip frame to accommodate an extra round. This model was aimed at military and police contracts and many examples were produced for various agencies. The FN Model 1910/1922 was initially designed for the "Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes" (which was renamed Yugoslavia in 1929). The FN Model 1910/1922 was used by the following countries: Yugoslavia, Holland, Greece, Turkey, Romania, France, Denmark, and later West Germany. Browning Model 1955 with six-round magazine. Browning Model 1955 with six-round magazine. In 1955, the Browning Arms Company introduced this pistol for the American market as the Model 1955. Made in Belgium, this model was virtually identical to the European model except for the markings. Importation ceased in 1968 due to the passage of stricter gun-control laws in the U.S. Another version, the Model 1971, featured a longer barrel and slide, adjustable sights, a finger-rest magazine, and enlarged 'target' grips. These features were intended to comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968 which had halted import of the Model 1955. |
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Thanks. That raises some more questions. :) I saw the info. in Wiki on the 1910 but didn't go into it b/c of the caliber size, althought it looks like it. Wouldn't it say .380 instead of 9mm? Also, what's the crown and "w" for on the top? Who would have used the pistol? |
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It's a Dutch military contract Browning M1922 Pistol chambered in 9mm short (.380ACP). They were manufactured for the Dutch army at the FN factory in Belgium in 1920/1930. The "crown" is the Royal Dutch 'crest' and the 'W' is for the Dutch Queen ~ Wilhelmina. A very popular pistol at the time and famous for their reliability and long service life. |
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Thanks guys. Belgium made... would the Allies have used it? Also, would this be considered a collectible? Obviously I'm holding onto it and it has value to me, but in the wider realm of firearms? And last and, most probably, the stupid question.... I'm confused. If it was .380 wouldn't it say .380 or 9mm short? It says 9mm. |
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These pistols were exceptionally popular, with large commercial, police and military contracts worldwide. I recently saw one in approx 90% condition with an excellent bore sell for $700 and, it's serial number was also in the 3XXXX range. As to the .380 part, that's just how it was done back then - designated as 9mm Short. |
Actually, the .32 ACP caliber version was used by the Germans in WW II (presumably as a result of Germany’s occupation of Belgium during much of that time.). I had one with German markings (swastika and all that) and with a very crude wartime finish. |