help understanding what I own here? Browning Hi-power,Ring hammer,Thumb print, pics.

[FirearmsInPhoenix]

Hello,

I'm quite familiar with modern production firearms. However, I know little of vintage firearms, especially of the Browning Hi-Power variety.

What I have is a 1958-59 manufacture Browning Hi-Power with the Ring Hammer and thumb Print in the slide in very very good, if not excellent or better condition. No Box, no paperwork.

Though I have done some research, I have not been able to come to any definitive answer as to this pistol's worth. Anyone who knows about such things have any idea?

She shoots like new. She's just been put away nice and oiled for quite some time.

Any help would be appreciated.

PICS:

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I have the same pistol a year or so behind yours and bring it from time to time to a show with me to throw in the case. I have $985 on it and while it hasn't sold, it hasn't gotten the usual snorts, gasps and snide comments which usually accompany an (perceived as) overpriced gun.

I'd think a fair bit higher for that "print".

 

[genstab]

So why'd you block out the serial number- hot gun? It might help some of us otherwise. Mine has serial #42095 and it should be from the same time period- internal extractor, thumbprint, ring hammer of course, and in excellent condition (NRA rated)- but serial numbers would start over for different customers. An expert would have to look at the removed barrel to tell its exact age.

Best regards,
Bill in Cleveland

 

[FirearmsInPhoenix]

So why'd you block out the serial number- hot gun? It might help some of us otherwise.

Good Question.

I blocked the serial number because, here in Phoenix, it has happened that nefarious sorts will report older firearms, that one does not own, as stolen from vehicles and apartments and then collect on the insured value (rental insurance and car insurance). In which case a firearm that I own, if it's serial number is used by criminals in such a way, would be reported as stolen when, in fact, I'm the rightful owner. Popular on older firearms because there is rarely a receipt to prove ownership should the firearm in question be come across by authorities for some reason.

How do I know you ask? Head's up from an FFL who gets email updates as to popular gun crimes in his area... Whether this is very common or not, I don't care. It doesn't hurt me to cover the serial number.

Besides, I've already dated this from Browning's own website: http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35

Serial numbers 85268-89687 were manufactured in 1959, so my 86xxx was, supposedly, manufactured in 1959 if the Browning website is accurate.

What's strange is that most everyone I've spoken with said the Thumb Print was discontinued prior to 1959. Yet, mine has a 1959 manufacture serial number with the thumb print... just one of the things I'm trying to figure out.

Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen, thus far.

 

[tipoc]

Try here as well...

www.proofhouse.com

and for more info, here, in the section devoted to the BHP...

http://forums.1911forum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=15

Hope this helps.

tipoc

 

[browningguy]

It's a standard for the period model, my opinion is that to a Browning collector it's probably a $700+- pistol. To be worth $1k it would need to be LNIB or close to it. A special model, ladder or adjustable sights would be worth more of course. Remember there were a bazillion of these standard models made, so just being 50 years old doesn't make them expensive.

But in the end it's worth whatever someone is willing to pay.

 

[FirearmsInPhoenix]

My research thus far has put it in about $700 dollar range... though one gentleman hi-power collector on the hi-power forum said he'd be willing to go $800 if he saw it at a show and wanted the thumbprint badly enough.

In any event, this has been helpful.

Thank you, gentlemen.