Help With Value of Hi-Power

[Black Butte]

I was interested in a Browning Hi Power that a gun shop owner has in his display case from his personal collection. It's a "make-me-an-offer" gun as opposed to an "on-sale" item. The gun is immaculate with no signs of bluing wear. It was made at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium and has cool-looking proof marks on it. The serial number is 39713 with no letters or any prefix.

Can anyone give me an idea about the manufacture date of this gun and what might be a fair offer? Thanks!

 

[Certaindeaf]

It's pre 1954, that's for sure. Actually I think it's pre 1940, I really don't know.
I'd probably offer him $1000 and go to 12. I think that'd be safe but I'd wait for some big-brain to pipe up.

 

[ku4hx]

It's an early model, but even Browning can't date it precisely. Pre 1954 seems to be about as good as dating will get unless the owner, or a BHP enthusiast website, has more specific documentation.

http://www.browning.com/customerservice/dategun/detail.asp?id=35

 

[bannockburn]

Hi-Powers with a serial number range of 72251 to 115822 were built from 1955 to 1963, with the T-series begining sometime in 1964. That would put the one your interested in as being pre-1954. Unfortunately any serial number information from 1935 to 1954 is pretty much limited to the 1 to 72250 range with no other specific build numbers available.

Can you describe the various markings on the gun as well as the rear sight (fixed or tangent rear sight), and whether or not there is a slot on the back of the grip frame for the attachment of a shoulder stock?

 

[Certaindeaf]

Well did you make him an offer? I suspect he knows exactly when it was made and its value down to the dime. I think it's a first model and pretty early/rare.

 

[Vonderek]

If you're going to use it as a shooter be advised that the internal extractor is just about impossible to find anymore should yours need replacing.

 

[Black Butte]

Thanks everyone. I will try to get a picture that shows some of the proof marks next time I go to the shop.

 

[sub-moa]

Original truly immaculate pre-occupation P35s don't turn up too often .

Is this pistol equipped with the Tangent rear sight and stock cut?

 

[Cactus Jack Arizona]

Oh man, lucky you to even see such an example. However, I'd say that you would be even luckier to get it for a mere $1,200. If it's as nice as you say it is, I bet it will be more. I've seen crapped out HP's with supposed "German" markings priced at $2,000 at the gun shows.