FN Model 1910?

[Bert Kellar]

Hi Fellows,

My sister’s husband’s father brought this pistol home with him after WW II. It has the M1911 grip safety, Browning Hi Power magazine safety, and thumb safety. The serial number is 78641 and is on the frame, barrel, and slide. There are markings on the barrel somewhat similar to the ones I have tried to show in the picture. It is a .32 caliber. The pistol matches the FN Model 1910 pictures I have found on the Internet, namely the one marked Browning model 1910 on http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg95-e.htm except the stampings on the slide and frame. Overall it is in good shape. Holster wear, a few scratches, etc. My sister has been shooting it. I somehow managed to figure out how to field strip it, give it a good cleaning in mineral spirits, and soaked it in Breakfree CLP. And I did get it back together.

The gun is not for sale. What we would like to know is exactly what we have, when it was made, how many, any collector’s value, what it is worth approximately, and so on. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Sorry about the pitiful picture. My photo skills are not too good.



Bert

 

[Jim K]

I assume you are correct on the model (your pics don't show enough to be sure it is a Model 1910 vs. a Model 1922). The markings are standard for the pistol. The row of markings are the standard Liege (Belgium) proof marks. The lion/PV is the smokeless powder proof; the star/C is the initial of the inspector; the other mark is the famous "perron" in Liege and is the symbol of that city, hence its use in the Liege proof marks. The other marks are factory inspection marks.

The Model 1910, and its larger version, the Model 1922, are very reliable pistols, extremely well made. I do suggest not dry firing; if you want to release the firing pin without firing, use a "snap cap" (a plastic dummy round to absorb the firing pin blow and prevent breakage of the firing pin). They are available at most gun stores.

The Model 1910/1922 were made in both 7.65 Browning (.32 ACP) and 9mm Browning Short (.380 ACP) not to be confused with 9mm Luger or any of the other 9mm's.

Value is not too high, as there were some 700,000 made. They were used in WWII by the Germans, sold to several nations for police and military use, and imported commercially into the U.S. for decades before and after WWII. The Gun Control Act of 1968 banned them from importation as "Saturday Night Specials" (!!). One interesting sidelight is that a .380 caliber Model 1910 not, as often written, a Model 1900, was the pistol used in the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand, which ultimately led to WWI.

Top value would run around $400-450 for like new; average good runs around $250-300.

Jim

 

[Bert Kellar]

Thank you Jim.

Bert