Well, this is not the place for this, but you guys are my only gun-buddies online, so I have to come here until I can find someplace more suitable.

I just bought an FN Hi Power at Cabelas.  It is Blued, has wooden grips and has lots of interesting proof marks.  

The most prevelent proof marks are as follows:

On the barrel there is an oval shap with a crown on it and the letters E L and G in the oval over a small star.  

Also there is a Lion over "P.V" with a line in between.  The pistol is marked on the left side of the frame "Fabrique Nationale D'Armes De Guerre"

then "Herstal Belgique"

then lower: "Browning's Patent Depose"

Interesting thing on right side of slide:  Custom engraved "Capt Marcel Prevost"

Serial Number is A prefix then 137XX.

Anyone know what all this means?

Most importantly, how the hell do I take this thing apart!?

thanks.

www.alpharubicon.com/leo/hipowerfieldstripping.htm


google on browning hi-power field stripping

Ok, I got the thing apart.  It was bone-dry on the inside and full of what looked like rust, but is actually something else which wipes away.

It's a beauty.

Now, anyone know where it's from? I'm assuming it's built by FN for someone else.

Come on, I know some of you have to be Hi-Power people as well!

Appearantly you've never looked in the "Browning" section before Campy, because there's nothing there!

I guess a link that describes the meanings of proof marks would help a lot.  I don't expect it to be that valuable, I just like to know what I have so I can coordinate Holsters, mags, etc.  

Best guess would put it as Belgium made Hi Power from around 1935/36 that at one time belonged to a "Capt Marcel Prevost"

Hi-Power Pistol

The 9mm Hi-Power pistol was introduced to the U.S. market in 1954. Serial numbers from 1954 through 1957 are estimates only. From 1958 on, better records were kept..

Date Your Browning

Date Historic Information Serial Number Info
1954-57 The Hi-Power 9mm pistol was introduced in 1954. 70000-80,000
Accurate production figures are unavailable.
1958 In 1958 Browning kept better records of the Hi-Power pistol, so the serial number ranges are more accurate 80001-85276
1959   85268-89687
1960   89688-93027
1961   93028-109145

Well, I haven't owned a hipower for 25 years, but here goes: serial # range is prewar. Made at FN factory in Herstal, Belgium. Other markings you mention are various proof marks and inspector's marks. When did cabelas start selling used guns?
                    OJF

The Cabelas that I go to (southern MN, Owatonna (spell?))  Has a a lot of used guns.  I think they get them from trade ins.  

I was looking at 1911s on friday when I spotted the Hi-Power.  It looked very classy next to all the stainless and matte-black Kimbers and such, so I checked the bore and decided at $395 it was a good value for a high quality gun.  Now that it looks like it's fairly valuable I'm pretty glad I didn't nab a 1911 like I intended.  

If it is what we are thinking it is, then I guess I stole it.  

Post your info on "fnhighpower.com"

Lot of "experts" hang out there.

With the "A" prefix, it is post 1945.

Waltherman