- Fn Browning 1922 Serial Numbers
- Fn Browning Serial Number Identification
- Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers
- Fn Browning M1922 Serial Number
- Fn M1922 Pistol Serial Numbers
- Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers
- Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers Lookup Chart
Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers The FN M1922 pistol has been used by numerous countries including: Yugoslavia, Holland, Greece, Turkey, Romania, France, Denmark, Nazi Germany and later West Germany. It is an smoothly elegant and graceful pistol design that became immensely popular with both the military and the commercial markets. Fn Browning 1922 Serial Numbers Dates Germany WaA10-60000 Some pre-war parts, more common than the WaA613 Germany WaA10-155000 Most common, went to German letter suffix system, 325,000 made, poor quality Post WWII 32/380 A-Prefix, used by German and French police, imported until 1968, many varieties. Click to Enlarge Browning M1922 Gallery.
Fn Browning 1922 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.
The year model designations 1900 and 1910 apparently did not come into use until sometime after World War I, though the guns were both always known as the Browning Automatic Pistol. By 1910, the word “Browning” was virtually synonymous with “automatic pistol” in much of Europe. FN’s instruction manuals in the 1920’s continued to refer to the gun as the “Browning Automatic Pistol, New Model,” but this gradually gave way to “Browning Automatic Pistol, Model 1910,” and after World War II to “Browning Automatic Pistol, Model 10.”
May 03, 2011 Gentlemen, I am confused concerning FN 1922 serial numbers. I understand that wartime serial numbers continued into aprox 155,000 under German occupation. WWII Nazi Marked FN Browning Model 1922 Pistol Product Description Fine WWII Nazi Marked Fabrique Nationale Model 1922 Pistol, 7.65 mm PPlease see photos at: This is a fine. The FN Browning M1922 was a very popular pistol in many Armies and Police forces, till take over of Belgium through the Germans. Serial numbers: 20000 - 215000; 1. Pistols of the German Wehrmacht. FN Browning M1922 - P.626(b), P641(b). Don't starve together: all survivors gladiator chest download torrent. Serial number: 6-digit number right on frame.
The New Model was lighter and less complicated than its predecessor, while retaining the remarkable reliability and accuracy of the Old Model. Pollard notes that the New Model is “..smaller and handier, but has a much more appreciable recoil.” Both guns are blowback operated. The 1910 model follows the Savage Automatic Pistol in placing the recoil spring around the barrel, rather than over the barrel as in the 1900 model. The recoil spring is secured by a bushing with bayonnette-style lugs on the front of the slide. The Model 1910 also incorporates a grip safety like the 1903 Colt and 1903 FN Grand Modele. The patent drawing shown in Anthony Vanderlinden’s book FN Browning Pistols: Side-Arms that Shaped World History shows a lanyard ring in the lower rear corner of the left grip, but in actual production the lanyard was an option and was rarely seen except for police and military purchases.
Unlike the Model 1900, which was only available in 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), the Model 1910 was offered in both 7.65mm Browning and 9mm Browning Short (.380 ACP). John Moses Browning had asked “UMC” Thomas of the Union Metallic Cartridge Company to design the .380 ACP in 1907 because Colt wanted a larger, heavier bullet for the 1903 Colt Pocket “Hammerless”. Browning specified that the case length for the new cartridge must be identical to that of the .32 ACP. The idea was that the only modification necessary for the gun to use the new cartridge would be a new barrel and magazine. The .380 barrel for what became the 1908 Colt Pocket “Hammerless” had the same external diameter as the .32 barrel for the 1903 Colt, but a slightly larger bore. When Browning set out to design the Model 1910 FN Browning, he designed it so that only the barrel need be changed to convert from one caliber to the other. The 1910 magazines for the two calibers were identical, even though they were marked 7.65mm or 9mm to match the respective barrels. The magazine holds seven rounds of 7.65mm (.32) or six rounds of 9mm Short (.380).
The relatively small size and sleek lines of the Model 1910 made it easily concealed, and the the lack of protrusions such as large sights or a slide release lever made the gun easy to draw quickly from a pocket. A 9mm (.380 ACP) Browning Model 1910 was used to assassinate the Archduke Ferdinand and his wife the Duchess Sophie Chotek, thus igniting World War I. (For many years it was thought the gun used was the “Old Model” 1900 Browning, primarily because the press at the time simply reported that the Duke and Duchess had been assassinated with a Browning pistol, and the “Old Model” was very well known, whereas the “New Model” was not.)
The grip safety on the Model 1910 directly blocks the sear (not the disconnector as reported by W.H.B. Smith), preventing it from moving downward and releasing the striker. The manual safety lever merely locks the grip safety in place so that it cannot be depressed, though an external lug on the manual safety lever also moves into a notch in the slide to prevent the slide from being opened. When the magazine is withdrawn a lever moves up and likewise blocks the grip safety from being depressed--hence, the arm cannot be fired unless the magazine is fully inserted.
The earliest grips on the 1910 FN Browning were made of checkered horn and featured a logo similar to that of the Model 1900, with a facsimile of the gun above the FN monogram in an oval at the top. These grips were only used for a few months and are now exceedingly rare. They were succeeded by checkered horn grips with the FN monogram in an oval at the top. According to Vanderlinden, horn continued in use until the beginning of World War II, after which molded plastic was used. Horn grips are easily identified by their flat backs, whereas plastic grips have depressions in their backs from the molds. After World War II wood grips were sometimes used for the Model 1910, most with rudimentary checkering, though some luxury models featured very finely checkered wooden grips.
Guns produced in the first year of production (1912-1913) have a cutout area on the lower forward portion of the slide that extends beyond the front edge of the frame. Very early on, however, this cutout area was reduced in length so that it ended just before the front edge of the frame, making a more natural-looking curve that melded with the curve of the frame and the bow of the trigger guard. Early guns with the longer cut may be considered rare.
The serial number is on the right side of the frame, just above the trigger. The right side of the slide is blank. The inscription on the left side of the slide remained the same throughout production, though there were minor changes in the characters and spacing which cannot all be reproduced here. See Vanderlinden for complete details. Guns made prior to World War I feature serif characters in upper case with the exception of the “de”.
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
After World War I the inscription changed to sans-serif characters, but retianed the lower-case “de”.
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
There was a return to serif characters in the 1925-1929 time period, after which the legend appeared in all upper case sans-serif letters (including the “DE”).
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers
Finally, the space between “Browning’s Patent” and “Depose” was eliminated.
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE
BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE
Belgian proof marks were stamped on the left side of the frame just above the trigger, and in the same location, just above, on the slide. Proof marks were also stamped on the barrel such that they could be seen through the ejection port.
There were some variations in barrel bushings over the lifespan of the gun, which are documented in Vanderlinden.
The Model 1910 FN Browning was manufactured from 1912 through 1975. Production was halted during the two World Wars, though a few were assembled from parts during the German occupation in World War II. There was no interruption in serial numbers. Year-by-year production figures are not available, but it is known that approximately 69 ,000 had been made by the beginning of World War I in 1914, and approximately 467,760 had been made by the beginning of World War II. Total production is estimated to have been 704,247.
Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers Diagram
Field Stripping
Fn Browning Serial Number Identification
- Remove the magazine and make sure the chamber is empty.
- Use a barrel bushing key or a spanner wrench to depress the barrel bushing and turn it 90° to unlock it. Be careful because the bushing is under spring pressure.
- Ease the bushing off the front of the slide and remove the recoil spring.
- Draw the slide back to the second detent on the left side and lock it in position with the manual safety lever.
- Turn the barrel counterclockwise (as you face the front of the gun) approximately 90° to unlock its lugs from engagement with the slots in the frame.
- Lower the safety lever and draw the slide and barrel off the frame.
Fn Browning 1922 Serial Numbers
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Currently online: (all information is copyrighted)
- FN Browning 1899, 1900, 1903, 1905 - 1906 and Baby pistols: Guide to identification: See below
- Beware of FN marked, Walther style, PP Pistols: See below
- Popular misconceptions on FN and FN Browning Firearms: See below
Related NRA articles online: (all information is copyrighted)
- Trench Sweepers; Browning & Ruby Pistols in the Great War
Originally published in American Rifleman Magazine -- Click here for NRA article - The FN Browning 1903
Originally published in American Rifleman Magazine --Click here for NRA article - Inside the Pistols of FNH USA
Originally published in American Rifleman Magazine --Click here for NRA article
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Identifying and differentiation the FN Browning Pistols:
FN Browning Model 1899 and 1900,
FN Browning 1903,
FN Browning 1905 (1906) Vest Pocket and Baby Browning pistols
FN Browning Model 1910 and Model 1922
Following is a guide for identifying FN Browning pistol models:
FN Browning Model 1899 vs. FN Browning Model 1900: The Model 1899 was first produced in January 1899 and closely resembles John Browning's prototype. It can be differentiated from the FN Model 1900 by the following features: There are no safety markings and no lanyard ring, the frame has small side-plates. The grips are secured with studs and nuts. The FN Browning 1900 was introduced in 1900 after Belgian military trials requested changes to the Model 1899. The Model 1900 has larger grips which are secured with screws, has French language safety markings (Feu & Sur), a lanyard ring and larger frame side-plates.
FN Browning Model 1903: The Model 1903 in 9mm Browning Long was manufactured for the military market. It was not a copy of the Colt 1903 as is often reported. FN requested a (military) handgun design from John Browning in 1901. The same prototypes were presented to Colt and FN, Colt opted to manufacture a pocket pistol while FN tried to fill a void in their line by offering the design as a military pistol.
FN Browning Model 1905 / 1906 vs. FN Baby Browning: The Model 1905 is often referred to as the Model 1906, generally in the U.S. it is known for its first patent year '1905' while in Europe, 1906 refers to FN's first manufacturing year. This model is also commonly known as the Vest Pocket model. The Baby Browning was introduced by FN in 1931, the pistol is smaller than the Vest Pocket model. The Baby Browning is a total different design from the earlier Vest Pocket pistol, parts are not interchangeable.
Beware of Walther style PP pistols that are on the U.S. market with FN - Fabrique Nationale - slide legends…
These are not FN made pistols and do not feature the typical FN quality. The PP pistols were made in one of the former Soviet countries and are available with any marking or manufacturers marking at extra cost. Somebody ordered a batch of these pistols with FN’s older legal name marked on the slide, this was done solely to mislead buyers / collectors into believing that they were getting a genuine FN made gun. FN never produced the PP and these were not made for the Belgian police as often claimed in U.S. advertising. Belgian law-enforcement agencies did not use the PP or PPK.
Popular misconceptions on FN
and FN Browning Firearms
The following misconceptions circulate in the international collector community. Here are some answers and comments that may clarify how the facts were misunderstood.
General History
- FN was a German company?!
Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers
FN has always been a Belgian company, from its inception up to the World Wars. It should be noted that the company did endure a German majority take-over from 1896 to 1914. In such, the majority of shares were in hands of a German company. Majority ownership however does not mean that a company changes national identity. During both World Wars the company was sequestered and under German control.
- FN was established by Loewe in Germany?!
The Belgian government (not FN) purchased the production rights for the 1889 Belgian Mauser and ceded those to FN. Loewe had no influence or control in the establishment of FN. FN engineers did purchase equipment and technical assistance from Loewe after the company was in existence. Loewe was selected after FN engineers had explored buying their machinery in the U.S. but ran into problems when U.S. manufacturers did not want to modify and make the machinery on metric specifications.
- FN was crucial to the German war effort and produced many guns for the German military?!
FN was not one of the most useful bodies to the Germans in WWII. Instead it was more a source of aggravation for the Germans, as they could not get production up to desired significant numbers prior to 1943.
FN Browning Pistols
- The Browning 1900 was the first Browning produced pistol?!
Because no research was done for decades, the first Browning pistol is often credited to the FN Browning 1900. We know now that the 1900 was a modified 1899 model. The 1899 was the first of the Browning pistols to go into production at FN in January 1899. The 1900 followed in mid 1900 after the Belgian military requested changes to the original Browning design. There is a clear distinction between the 1899 and 1900 models, their production run and production periods.
- The Belgian army adopted the FN 1903 and 1922 in the pre-WWII era?!
One of the most unfounded assumptions is that the Belgian army adopted both the 1903 as well as the 1922 in the prewar era. The Belgian military only adopted four pistols in the pre-1940 era:
- The 7.65mm FN Browning 1900 in the year 1900
- The 7.65mm Colt 1903 during WWI as FN was occupied
- The 7.65mm 1910 model in the year 1919
- The High Power in 1935. The Belgian government made no equipment updates in the 1920s. The first signs of replacing or adding to the pistol inventory dates from 1930. This was further spurred on (among a general modernization) in 1933 when Hitler gained power. The first broad army evaluations for the 9mm x 19 High Efficiency (not High Power) date from 1933. The confusion with the 1922 comes from the fact that the Belgian military did end up buying the pistol in 1945. This was done because the model was readily available from FN right after the war. The Belgian government bought A-prefix pistols as well as newly produced pistols in those years. It also used wartime-produced pistols that were left by the Germans. Almost immediately there were issues / complaints about the magazine safety being present on some pistols and not on others making it difficult to train military personnel on a new pistol procedure as not all pistols were alike.
- The FN Browning 1910 was made during WWII and supplied to German officers?!
Only two pistol models were produced; the 1922 model as well as the High Power.
- The first High Power pistols date from before 1935?!
A frustration that advanced collectors share is the fact that the High Power and High Efficiency are rarely credited correctly. The forerunner of the High Power was the High-Efficiency, so named by FN in 1929. The High –Efficiency model was catalogued and made available in the 1929-1930 period. I suspect that the High Efficiency was made in very limited numbers just like FN did with the 1903 model before securing a large military contract. Just like distinguishing the 1899 and 1900 models, it is important to call a pistol by its correct designation.
FN Military Mausers
- All prewar military Mausers were 24/30 models!?
The confusion with FN Mauser models originated with the 1930s FN Catalogs, which often showed the 24/30 nomenclature. This was done as customers could select either model, as both models were available in the early 1930s.
Fn Browning M1922 Serial Number
This nomenclature should never be used today in order to identify rifles as customers did either select a 24 or a 30 model. There is no such model as a 24/30 as there is no hybrid between the two. There are distinct differences between the 1922, 1924, 1930, and 1950 models.
Fn M1922 Pistol Serial Numbers
- FN produced Mauser rifles for the German military during WWII!?
Unlike stated in many places, FN never produced any Mauser rifles during the occupation. Only a select few parts were made, most notable barrels and bolts. Those were exported to other plants and FN’s role was only to supplement parts production.
Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers
- FN had a FN 1935 Mauser!?
Fn Browning Model 1922 Serial Numbers Lookup Chart
Another great misconception is that many claim that FN had a 1935 Mauser model.
FN never adopted this as a factory designation; it was solely the model designation of their customer. As such, the Peruvian rifle is not a FN Model 1935 but rather a Peruvian 1935, the same is valid for the Belgian military 1935 (both rifles are totally different from one another). Both designations are military designations and are not FN designations. FN did indeed print literature and manuals in Spanish for their Peruvian customer. The Peruvian Mauser is referred to as ‘Modelo 1935’, just as it is on the rifle. These designations are references to the Peruvian designation. FN often printed up literature for their customers and included the customer’s requests as happened in this case.