Product Description
This is a rare Lithuanian military contract Browning Hi Power, manufactured by Fabrique Nationale. Between 5,000 to 7,000 pieces were made and delivered to Lithuania in the late 1930s, prior to World War II.
It is in very good condition with 85% original finish. 4/5 Bore. Frame, slide, and barrel matching serial numbers. The rifling is sharp with a dull bore. Overall bluing is quite dark, with wear as can be expected from a firearm involved in a major conflict. The frame has light surface pitting seen around the front strap and behind the wood grips. There are some nicks in the frame as well. The backstrap has a slot for attaching a butt stock. At the bottom of the grip is a squared lanyard loop, which is unique to the Lithuanian contract Hi Power. The slide has the "second version" rear tangent sight that has graduations from 50 meters to 500 meters in 50 meter steps across the length of the tangent. There is some impact damage around the rear sight that does not affect operation. Walnut grips are in understandably worn condition; the left side grip has worn checkering and various handling marks; the right side grip has very worn/flattened checkering with some dents and gouges. Includes one spare magazine.
Both the left side of the frame and slide have a Belgian nitro proof mark (Lion over PV) and an inspector mark (five point star over A). The top of the slide is stamped with the symbol of Lithuania, the "Columns of Gediminas". The Lithuanian crest is also found underneath the tangent sight.
During World War II, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union in 1940, followed shortly by Nazi Germany in 1941. Many firearms that were confiscated or captured were reissued for the Nazi war effort. These firearms would have one more more stamps from Waffenamt (WaA) which was the German Army Weapons Agency. This Hi Power does not have any Nazi Germany stamps at all. The Soviet Union reoccupied Lithuania in 1944.
C&R Eligible. Discreet import engraving.
Please note the magazine capacity is over 10 rounds. Some jurisdictions have 10 round magazine capacity limits. C&R status is not exempt from these limits.