Standard Catalog of Military Firearms. Phillip Peterson
was used by many countries as their service pistol; as such there are many variations. We list these versions and their approximate values. There are books available specializing in this model, and it would be beneficial to gain as much knowledge as possible if one contemplates acquisition of this fine and highly collectible pistol.
Prewar Commercial Model
Found with either a fixed sight or a sliding tangent rear sight and is slotted for a detachable shoulder stock. It was manufactured from 1935 until 1940. Wood holster stock, add 50 percent.
Prewar & WWII Military Contract
The Model 1935 was adopted by many countries as a service pistol, and some of them are as follows:
German Military Pistole Modell 640(b)
In 1940 Germany occupied Belgium and took over the FN plant. The production of the Model 1935 continued, with Germany taking the output. The FN plant was assigned the production code “ch,” and many thousands were produced. The finish on these Nazi guns runs from as fine, as the Prewar Commercial series, to downright crude, and it is possible to see how the war was progressing for Germany by the finish on their weapons. One must be cautious with some of these guns, as there have been fakes noted with their backstraps cut for shoulder stocks, producing what would appear to be a more expensive variation. Individual appraisal should be secured if any doubt exists.
Paul Goodwin photo
Fixed Sight Model
Courtesy Orvel Reichert
Tangent Sight Model
50,000 manufactured.
Captured Prewar Commercial Model
These pistols were taken over when the plant was occupied. They are slotted for stocks and have tangent sights. There were few produced between serial number 48,000 and 52,000. All noted have the “WaA613” Nazi proof mark. Beware of fakes!
Postwar Military Contract
Manufactured from 1946, and they embody some design changes—such as improved heat treating and barrel locking. Pistols produced after 1950 do not have barrels that can interchange with the earlier model pistols. The earliest models have an “A” prefix on the serial number and do not have the magazine safety. These pistols were produced for many countries, and there were many thousands manufactured.
Sultan of Oman
This is the only post war Hi-Power that is designated a Curio and Relic pistol. It has a tangent sight. The grip is slotted to accept a shoulder stock which is a legal accessory to this model. Fewer than 50 of these pistols were brought into the U.S. Canceled contract military sidearm for Oman. Very rare.
NOTE: For pistols with no shoulder stock deduct $1,000.
SUBMACHINE GUNS
Prior to 1940, Belgium used the MP28 (Model 34) as its standard military submachine gun. FN also manufactured, under license from Israeli Military Industries (IMI), a copy of the UZI submachine gun.
Vigneron M2
This subgun was issued to the Belgian army in 1953. It was also used by those same forces in the Belgian Congo. Many of these guns were taken by Congo forces after independence. A number of Vigneron guns may be found over much of Central Africa. The gun is chambered for the 9mm cartridge and has a wire folding stock. Barrel length is 11.75" with the rear portion of the barrel finned. A muzzle compensator is also standard. Magazine capacity is 32 rounds. Rate of fire is about 600 rounds per minute. Capable of select fire. Markings are found on the right side of the magazine housing and read, “ABL52 VIG M1.” Also on the right side of the receiver is stamped “LICENCE VIGNERON.” Weight is about 7.25 lbs. The gun was in production from 1952 to 1962.
Pre-1968
| Exc. | V.G. | Fair |
| 15000 | 12500 | 10000 |
RIFLES
NOTE: For historical information, technical data, and photos on the FN-FAL rifle, see Blake Stevens, The FAL Rifle, Classic Edition, Collector Grade Publications, 1993.
MAUSER (FN)
Model 1889 Rifle
The Mauser rifle that Fabrique Nationale was incorporated to manufacture. It is chambered for 7.65mm and has a 30.5" barrel. The magazine holds 5 rounds. The unique feature that sets the Belgian rifle apart from the Mausers made by other countries is the thin steel tube that encases the barrel. This was the first Mauser to use a charger loaded detachable box magazine. The sights are of the military type. The finish is blued, with a walnut stock. This rifle was also made by the American firm of Hopkins and Allen (rare).
Mauser/FN Model 1889 Rifle (missing magazine) • Paul Goodwin photo
Model 1889 Rifle • Courtesy Paul S. Scarlata
NOTE: For the Hopkins and Allen examples, add a premium of 150 percent.
Bayonets for Model 1889 Mauser
Wood grips. Muzzle ring. Hook quillon. These were made in long and short single edge blade styles. The appearance of the long version is similar to the Argentine 1909 bayonet. Long model might be marked “Hopkins & Allen” on the ricasso. Steel scabbard. Price range 250 – 100 Add 100 percent for H&A marked examples.
M1889 Carbine
Barrel length is 21". Fitted for a bayonet. Weight is about 7.5 lbs.
M1889 Carbine with Yatagan
Barrel length is 21". Fitted for a unique bayonet. Weight is about 7.5 lbs.