- If it is indeed a FEG forgery, the serial number coincides with a FEG P9 from the early 1990's. I'm no expert on FN serial numbers, so I'll leave it at that and let the experts make a more authoritative appraisal of the gun. I have to say, though, that I've never seen an FN or Browning HP with tool marks that bad on the barrel cam lug.
- FN Browning M1922. Belgium FN High Power FN Browning M1922 Armand Gavage. France M 1935 A Unique 16 Unique 17. Serial number: 5-digit number right on frame.
- Eventually, the design was finalized, and production began. Production serial numbers started at approximately 200,000. (Note: All prewar Model 1922's with serial numbers below 200,000 show contract serial number ranges, while those with serial numbers above 200,000 display standard FN production serial numbers.
John Moses Browning probably completed the prototype for his “New Model” pistol in 1908. This can be deduced from the fact that it was patented in Belgium on 20 February 1909, though it is often reported that the prototype was made in 1909 or even 1910. The gun was never patented or manufactured in the U.S. Manufacture of the New Model in 7.65mm by Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Belgium began late in 1912. Manufacture in 9mm Browning Short (.380 caliber) probably began a few months later. FN deliberately delayed release of the new design for nearly three years because sales of the Old Model were still brisk. Once released, the Browning Automatic Pistol, New Model, quickly supplanted the Old Model. However the Old Model (Model 1900) continued in production right up to the beginning of the Great War in 1914, in order to fulfill Belgian military contracts.
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE