WWI Browning Opinions please

[R. Schmitt]

Hello - what do you think about this Browning over here - the only flaw I could notice was a scratch on the left of the pistol, otherwise the gun is perfect. I don't think there has ever been fired a shot with this. Numbers are matching, and the ammo is still in the clips. Comments and opinions are welcome. I am looking to buy this one as my U.S. Pistol. What would be a fair price to pay for this piece?

[Gary Cain]

Hi Rainer,

Looks good to me! Original grip panels, original finish, you've got a winner!

Gary

[R. Schmitt]

Hi Rainer,

Looks good to me! Original grip panels, original finish, you've got a winner!

Gary

Thanks Gary, I got it right in front of me for inspection, any ideas of rough price range on this type of gun? There's some other guns I'm looking at, too, a Luger and a P38, gotta take pix in daylight though, will post them within the next couple of days. There's also an Artillery Luger with wooden stock I can inspect right now, not for sale, but I'll post pix, you don't come across those every day!
Best Regards

[Bill Grist]

Nice 1900 Browning...BILL

[R. Schmitt]

Thank you, it's not mine, YET, but could be, soon, the same seller has several guns that I would be interested in... nice pieces... just depends on my pocket money.... will post the others on the Forum later!

[Douglas Jr.]

Rainer,

Very nice pistol. The FN1900 was a favourite among officers of both sides during WWI. I even have seen on Internet some with German Polizei marks. This particular piece you are showing us was made in 1906, according to the serial number.

So, for a 101-years old pistols it is in amazing condition. Take it!

Douglas

[R. Schmitt]

Douglas, thanks a lot, the owner got it from a yard sale. Where, if I may ask did you come up with the serial numbers. Is there an online database for it or is it based on a specific book? I still have to decide which one I want to and can financially go for - there's a Luger and a P38 that I'm also looking at right now.... The gun is not being advertised or sth. by the seller so there's no urgent need to grab it right now, but I wanted to do dome homework first, get as many facts on all three together, compare those, and go from there.... Whatever I can get, I'll post it here.
Best Regards
Rainer

[Douglas Jr.]

Hi Rainer,

You're welcome. I have the data about the serial number in the book "Pistols of World War I" by Robert J. Adamek.

Before took any decision, take a careful look at the Luger and the P.38 as they are much more praised as collectables items than the FN1900 - thus they reach high values.

Try to get as much informtaion about the guns (inscriptions, dates, proof marks, caliber, numbers stamped in the gun, % of original blueing remaining, etc.) as it will have a direct effect on the price.

Good luck.

Douglas

[ottomaton]

The condition is amazing, especially for a yard sale find. Someone definately took good care of it for a long period of time or it would be in much worse shape.

From The Blue Book of Gun Values

Model 1900-FN

100% - $495
98% - $445
95% - $395
90% - $295


... and it goes down from there. There are some variations, like imperial german proofs which raise the price, but this doesn't seem to qualify for any of these.

[r.blue]

Rainer,
If you get the pistol pick up a copy of Vanderlinden's book "The Belgian Browning Pistols". He covers the 1899/1900 better than any other book I've got.
R.Blue

[R. Schmitt]

Great info, R.Blue, Keith and Douglas! excellent literature recommendations and sources - If it's the browning I'll get, the book(s) have to ordered, too. I am relatively unexperienced in the gun market, hope to get as much quality response then as I received here - Excellent, Thank you very Much!

[R. Schmitt]

Interesting Browning with the wooden stock BTW (on the book cover) - Artillery?

[Douglas Jr.]

It is the FN Browning Model 1903 (Grand Modèle) in caliber 9mm Browning Long. Some of pistols have rails to allow the attachment of the stock . In addition, it was necessary to have a special, prolonged, magazine to use the stock.

Douglas.

[R. Schmitt]

I like those artillery pistols, really! they're special! Maybe I can find one of those for sale sometime! Preferably an Artillery Luger...
Best Regards
Rainer