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Browning serial #s (on A5s amoung others) are confusing and were oft changed due to several global and corporate influences. The whole thing goes a little something like this: The first A5s became availble to the US sportsman around 1920 or so.
FN serial numbers are different from Browning serial numbers in that FN would reuse serial numbers over and over. If a customer contracted for a large number of Hi Powers and specified that their pistols be numbered in a certain sequence, presumably, to match the customer's existing numbering system, then FN would gladly do so. The result of this is that FN reused serial numbers multiple times. Because of this policy, for example, a Hi Power with a 4 digit serial number could be much younger than a Hi Power with a 5 digit serial number. The key to determining a proper build date is a combination of the pistol's physical features, roll marks, fonts and inspectors/proof marks - all the little markings you see scattered inside and outside the gun. As for the Browning web site's date chart, it is a hot mess on so many levels that it could occupy a large thread all by itself.
I've just been reminded of the '.FN Browning Pistols, Side Arms that Shaped the World History.' By Anthony Vanderlinden.that might(??) unravel SOME of the myth 'n mystery regarding Hi Power serial numbering scheme(s) over the years (??). The good news is that they seem to have relied on only thirty-six (36) alphanumeric characters (10 numerals & 26 letters) in varied configurations, as the basis of their '.system.' The 'catch' is that unless you come across the book serendipitously at a used book shop, it ain't cheap. Thanks for the information, I was waiting for you to chime in.
Interesting that they reused serial numbers. Any idea when the one above might have been built? Any other observations?
I will probably have the winning bid on this one. The only 2 people that I who can translate the puzzle like a second language, which effectively is what those hieroglyphs are, would be Submoa and GP34FN. Photos of all the small markings, including those inside the frame and slide, would be most useful. Sometimes Submoa can narrow it down to the particular quarter of the build year. Unfortunately, he's currently being protected at an undisclosed location in the interest of national security, so he may not be able to respond immediately. Thank you and the submarine is waiting for your departure without delay. Actually Che my friend, a submarine would have been much more comfortable.if a bit longer trip, to the multiple legs on AA; especially since I do have some experience aboard submarines.NO not the Hunley, but I did serve aboard; first.briefly, a Diesel Boat and then a Fast Attack Boat MM(SS)(DV).
BUT, the screen name actually is a simplified play on 'Sub-MOA'; 'sub' = less than & 'moa' = Minute of Angle, referring to the decades as an LE Sniper/Instructor that immediately followed the 4 years of 'boating'. Actually Che my friend, a submarine would have been much more comfortable.if a bit longer trip, to the multiple legs on AA; especially since I do have some experience aboard submarines.NO not the Hunley, but I did serve aboard; first.briefly, a Diesel Boat and then a Fast Attack Boat MM(SS)(DV).
BUT, the screen name actually is a simplified play on 'Sub-MOA'; 'sub' = less than & 'moa' = Minute of Angle, referring to the decades as an LE Sniper/Instructor that immediately followed the 4 years of 'boating'. At first I went with a guesstimate but I applied SWAG (Scientific Wild A- Guess) and two clicks up and I knew you had to be a LE shooter. Thanks for many years of sharing with us all.