Identifying Old Pistol - The Firearms Forum

JB1500 · 01-19-2005, 01:20 PM

I found an old, engraved semi-automatic pistol in my father's possessions after he past away. It has "Fabrique Nationale D'Armes de Cuerre S. A. Herstal Belgique" and "Browning's Patent Depose" on one side and the number "422201" on the other side. Photos are available at http://www.ncmotorcyclists.com/ncmotorcyclists/misc.htm.

I would appreciate any information that you might have on this firearm, particularly, its history, date(s) of manufacture, value, etc. To the best of my knowledge, my dad brought this back from WWII.

Thanks for your help.

22WRF · 01-19-2005, 04:24 PM

Appears to be a FN Browning Model 1910 Pocket
Either 32 ACP (7 Shot) or .380 Browning (6 Shot)
Mfg 1910-83
The Pearl Grips and engraving are not standard
Value ???? < $300

LIKTOSHOOT · 01-19-2005, 06:27 PM

While I have been wrong before and will be some time in the future---again-lol
What you have appears to be a 1971 Type Browning 380 Renaissance Model.

Renaissance models were nickel-plated, engraved and had Nacrolac pearl grips, worth over a grand.....but the condition hurts this one.

It also could be the Type 1955, but barrel length is the decieding factor.
The 1971 had a 4 1/2" barrel. Just a little over seven inches overall.

LTS

22WRF · 01-19-2005, 06:47 PM

I couldn't come up with 1910 being factory Nickel and engraved and pearl grips.
But the WWII bring back?
Maybe it was a presentation piece.
FN Manf. 701,266 so Ser# 422201 is quite low and would probably put it around the WWII era

JB1500 · 01-20-2005, 07:15 PM

Thanks to everyone for their help. I am going to take it to a gunsmith to determine if it is safe to use.

If I every decide to sell it or another firearm, are there any recommendations from the group as to how to go about it? Is this something best done locally or nationally?

01-19-2005, 01:20 PM	#1
JB1500 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2	Identifying Old Pistol I found an old, engraved semi-automatic pistol in my father's possessions after he past away. It has "Fabrique Nationale D'Armes de Cuerre S. A. Herstal Belgique" and "Browning's Patent Depose" on one side and the number "422201" on the other side. Photos are available at http://www.ncmotorcyclists.com/ncmotorcyclists/misc.htm. I would appreciate any information that you might have on this firearm, particularly, its history, date(s) of manufacture, value, etc. To the best of my knowledge, my dad brought this back from WWII. Thanks for your help. -->

01-19-2005, 04:24 PM	#2
22WRF Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pea Ridge, FL Contributor Posts: 4,250	Re: Identifying Old Pistol Appears to be a FN Browning Model 1910 Pocket Either 32 ACP (7 Shot) or .380 Browning (6 Shot) Mfg 1910-83 The Pearl Grips and engraving are not standard Value ???? < $300 __________________ NRA GOA CCRKBA Happiness is a warm barrel

01-19-2005, 06:27 PM	#3
LIKTOSHOOT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,367	Re: Identifying Old Pistol While I have been wrong before and will be some time in the future---again-lol What you have appears to be a 1971 Type Browning 380 Renaissance Model. Renaissance models were nickel-plated, engraved and had Nacrolac pearl grips, worth over a grand.....but the condition hurts this one. It also could be the Type 1955, but barrel length is the decieding factor. The 1971 had a 4 1/2" barrel. Just a little over seven inches overall. LTS

01-19-2005, 06:47 PM	#4
22WRF Advanced Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Pea Ridge, FL Contributor Posts: 4,250	Re: Identifying Old Pistol I couldn't come up with 1910 being factory Nickel and engraved and pearl grips. But the WWII bring back? Maybe it was a presentation piece. FN Manf. 701,266 so Ser# 422201 is quite low and would probably put it around the WWII era __________________ NRA GOA CCRKBA Happiness is a warm barrel

01-20-2005, 07:15 PM	#5
JB1500 Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2	Re: Identifying Old Pistol Thanks to everyone for their help. I am going to take it to a gunsmith to determine if it is safe to use. If I every decide to sell it or another firearm, are there any recommendations from the group as to how to go about it? Is this something best done locally or nationally?