Fn Browning 1910 Serial Numbers

Numbers

Wehrmacht-Awards.com Militaria Forums> Wehrmacht Uniforms and Equipment> Firearms Forum
FN Browning 1910/22
RegisterFAQCalendarToday's PostsSearch

Firearms ForumFocused on the guns of the Third Reich, but posts on firearms from other WW II countries are also welcomed.

Thread ToolsDisplay Modes

03-15-2013, 10:42 AM #1


Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,943
Today I received a FN Browning 1910/22 including German WaA markings. It's all numbermatching with number 120825. I like this one a lot, has lots of character but I am no expert. In fact, this is my first pistol so other opinions are very much appreciated.
My apologies for the quality of the pics. Somehow my cam didn't really work well. Still I hope they're ok enough to give an impression.
Best regards,
Marcel
Last edited by Marcel Banziger; 03-15-2013 at 11:00 AM.

03-15-2013, 01:33 PM #2


Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,570
Yours is a typical late war WA 140 code Model 1922. There were substantial numbers of these produced and your example appears to be in very good condition with considerable original finish remaining. These used to be at the low end of German used WW II pistols but that is pretty much over and I have noted substantial price increases over the past few years. I am always on the lookout for nice numbers matching example like yours.
At one time these were just about the most popular pistol with the European police departments and were still in service in some locations up into the 1980s.
BTW: These are very good shooters if you care to give it a try.
Jim

03-15-2013, 02:20 PM #3


Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,832
FN 1922 pistols with WaA140 inspectors marks were made between mid-1941 and September 1944 (when the FN plant was liberated by the Allies). They were very popular with the Wehrmacht and many were used by Luftwaffe aircrews – their drop holsters fetched prices around 200.00 when in good condition, and wold be a nice addition to your pistol.
My guess is that yours was made in early 1943, before the Germans started the a-block suffix series. Does your pistol has the mag safety (remove the magazine and check if it fires) ?
Regards,
Douglas

03-15-2013, 02:54 PM #4


Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,943
Thank you gentlemen for your replies!
Unfortunately here in Europe in many countries one can only have de-activated guns (purely as decorative objects). Mine came from Germany and has the trigger mechanism blocked so I can't shoot the pistol. Not even dry-shooting. It's sad that these antique weapons are demolished like this but unfortunately that's just how it is
Because of this I can't say if it shoots with the magazine removed.
So if I understand correct it's the WaA stamp which tells a specific time-era? Or can, because of the serial number a more accurate dating be done?
I have been checking for a holster already yes but so far I didn't really figure out which exact holster should go with this pistol? I actually think that many 7,65 mm pistols were carried in similar holsters, right?
Thanks for your time.
Best regards,
Marcel

03-15-2013, 03:55 PM #5


Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,570
Here's one of mine in a correct period holster. I can't remember the code stamped on the holster and it's currently locked in my safe.
It's a shame that all you can possess are deactivated examples.
Jim

03-16-2013, 03:01 AM #6


Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,943
Thanks you for posting these pics. I now know which kind of holster to go for.
A shame indeed that all weapons have to be deactivated overhere.

03-16-2013, 07:37 AM #7


Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,570
Originally Posted by Marcel Banziger
Thanks you for posting these pics. I now know which kind of holster to go for.
A shame indeed that all weapons have to be deactivated overhere.

That's just one example. I'd suggest you look at others before deciding to make a purchase.
Jim

03-16-2013, 08:03 AM #8


Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 2,943
Yes, that was my intention indeed but at least now I know now which kind of model I need to look for. Thanks for your help and advice!
I've also been looking for books about German pistols but couldn't really find what I was looking for. So if anyone has tips about recommendable books which I can use as study material and material for comparison than I would be very thankful for any tips

03-17-2013, 04:15 PM #9

Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,883
Here are two from my collection for comparison.
Attached Images
DSCF4649.JPG (106.2 KB, 240 views)
DSCF4654.JPG (107.4 KB, 238 views)

03-17-2013, 04:17 PM #10

Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,883
Photo 2-note the test proof only on this pistol and the slid is numbered internally. A scarce variant.
Attached Images
DSCF4653.JPG (98.1 KB, 237 views)
DSCF4650.JPG (94.6 KB, 236 views)

03-17-2013, 04:18 PM #11

Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,883
Photo 3

03-17-2013, 04:19 PM #12

Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,883
Attached Images
DSCF4656.JPG (109.3 KB, 235 views)
DSCF4659.JPG (106.4 KB, 228 views)

03-17-2013, 04:20 PM #13

Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,883
Photo 5
Attached Images
DSCF4657.JPG (99.5 KB, 228 views)
DSCF4658.JPG (100.4 KB, 226 views)

03-17-2013, 04:21 PM #14

Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,883
Photo 6
Attached Images
DSCF4660.JPG (104.8 KB, 222 views)
DSCF4661.JPG (93.4 KB, 221 views)

03-17-2013, 06:55 PM #15


Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,832
Marcel,
In this thread you can see the above mentioned 'drop holster' for FN 1922:
http://www.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=156455
Concerning books, you can search for Jan Still's books, they are expensive but they worth the investment.
Douglas

Bookmarks
  • Google

«Previous Thread Next Thread»

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Rules
You may not post replies
You may not edit your posts
Smilies are On
HTML code is On


Fn Browning 1910 For Sale

Tamara,
Anthony Vanderlinden's new book, FN Browning Pistols: Sidearms that Shaped World History is a fabulous resource for any FN/Browning enthusiast or anybody at all who is interested in old handguns. I hesitated before spending the $70.00 for it, but am truly glad I did. It is a gold mine of detailed information about all the FN pistols - the 1899, 1900, 1903, 1905, 1910, 1922, High Power, Baby, etc., and it also gives the history of the FN firm and its relationship with John Browning.
The book is available here:
http://www.fn-browning.com/new_page_1.htm
Concerning your gun: Looking at the chapter on the Model 1910, and knowing only your gun's serial number (pictures would be great - is that possible?), what I see and read in the book leads me to conclude that your 1910 was probably manufactured in the very early 1920s.
Vanderlinden does not give precise serial number/year ranges for this model, but he does show pictures of the different versions of the 1910's slide address from its introduction all the way to the '70s. Although pictures would be best, if that's not possible the answers to the following questions would let me narrow things down:
Firstly, the serial number definitely places the gun post-World War I. But exactly how many years after WWI is uncertain.
Whatever its year of manufacture, your 1910's slide address surely must read as follows: 'FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE' and underneath, 'BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE'. The first important question is:
1) Are the letters of the slide address in Serif or Sans Serif font?
2) Is the 'de' in the address uppercase or lowercase? I.e., does it read '...D'ARMES de GUERRE...' or '...D'ARMES DE GUERRE...'?
A slide address with Sans Serif type and lowercase 'de' is from the earlier '20s, and an address with Serif type and lowercase 'de' is from about 1925-1929,though I can't narrow things down any further from what Vanderlinden has written. Apparently the transitions between slide address characteristics did not take place very sharply or clearly.
Browning 1910 serial number dates

SN 79 is a FN 1910. See' The FN Browning Pistol 'expanded 2nd edition by Anthony Vanderlinde, pages 212 &213. This is a very rare pistol. The frame is correct. And he and his Browning FN Model 1910. The Browning FN Model 1910 was a departure. And his wife held the serial number of. FN Model 1910 of the Gendarmerie of Vaud. FN Browning M1922 - P.626(b), P641(b). The FN Browning M1922 was a very popular pistol in many Armies and Police forces, till take over. Serial numbers.

Posted on