Fn Browning Model 1910 Serial Numbers

Sep 27, 2016  The now-FN Model 1910 was offered in both.380 ACP (9x17mm Browning) and.32 ACP (7.65x17mm Browning Short) caliber forms and production of the new sidearm began in 1910. While appearing as early as 1910, the Model 1910 was not introduced to market until 1912, resulting in the gun sometimes being referenced as the 'Model 1912'. Browning Serial Numbers. BROWNING SERIALIZATION 1975 TO CURRENT: In 1975 Browning began using the two (2) letter code system (located in the middle of the serial number) for determining the year of manufacture. For example 'PN' would be '89' indicating 1989. LETTER NUMBER Z. Deactivated Browning 1910 semi auto in 7.65mm: The Browning 1910 was the last pistol design that John Browning pateneted with FN Belgium before he moved to Colt in the US, a neat 7.65mm semi auto, the design had many simialr features to classic 1911 - rear thumb/palm safety, similar strip down etc, the 1910 saw plenty of action on both sides during both WW1 and WW2.

The Model 1910 was another successful John Browning firearms design that was initially produced by the Belgian firm of Fabrique Nationale. The sidearm proved an excellent addition to the inventories of many national armies and security forces around the world. The gun went on to see action in Word War 1 and World War 2, seeing production into the early 1980s. One notable user of the Model 1910 became Serbian Gavrilo Princip who used the gun to assassinate Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand on June 28th, 1914. This action is most often recognized as the 'trigger' to the powder keg that resulted in World War 1.
Master gunsmith John Browning developed his Model 1910 to improve upon his previous - and essentially his first successful - handgun attempt, the Model 1900. The Model 1900 became the first of his creations to be produced by the Belgium firm of Fabrique Nationale and featured a recoil spring fitted within a cylinder mounted above the barrel assembly, making for a unique though rather clumsy-looking gun. However, this served the pistol well in that it kept moving parts to a minimum and forged the beginning of what would become a long-lasting and flourishing venture between Browning and FN. Up to this point, Browning leaned on both Colt Firearms and FN to produce his guns in the United States and Belgium respectively but, after Colt declined to produce his new Model 1910, Browning took his development to FN to market the type to European interests. The now-FN Model 1910 was offered in both .380 ACP (9x17mm Browning) and .32 ACP (7.65x17mm Browning Short) caliber forms and production of the new sidearm began in 1910.
While appearing as early as 1910, the Model 1910 was not introduced to market until 1912, resulting in the gun sometimes being referenced as the 'Model 1912'. One major improvement of the new design over the previous Model 1900 was in the mounting of the recoil spring set around the barrel assembly, this helping to streamline the overall appearance of the gun and making for a lighter and more compact design to handle. The Model 1910 took on a conventional look, with the magazine well doubling as the angled pistol grip. The solid trigger unit was set within an oblong trigger ring while a safety lever was mounted within easy reach, its placement just aft of the grip near the thumb. If chambered for the .380 ACP, the magazine could accept up to 6-rounds in the spring-loaded magazine. If chambered for the .32 ACP, the magazine could accept up to 7-rounds of ammunition. The magazine was inserted into the base of the pistol grip and spent shell casings were ejected from a right-mounted ejection port just above the trigger unit. The Model 1910s system of operation was 'blowback' as a semi-automatic, self-loading design. Along the upper portion of the grip was the identifiable 'FN' company logo (or 'Browning' depending on marketed model). Sighting was accomplished by way of notch and post iron sights. Overall length of the Model 1910 was 153mm with an unloaded weight of 590g.
The Model 1910 was branched out into one other major variant known as the Model 1922 (or 'M1910/22') and targeted to military and security forces of the time. The Model 1922 was essentially an 'upsized' version of the original with a longer barrel system and slide but still chambered for either .380 ACP (now 8-rounds) or .32 ACP (9-rounds). The hand grip was also noticeably lengthened downwards from the Model 1910's design and this helped to increase the noted internal magazine ammunition capacities for each respective caliber. Overall length of the new sidearm became 178mm with an unloaded weight of 700g. Model 1922s remained in service long enough to see action in World War 2. After the German occupation of Belgium, FN facilities outputted Model 1922s for German forces and were specifically marked on their sides as such.
After the war, production out of FN Herstal continued by Belgium and the pistol was selected for service by several European powers thereafter. It was not until 1955 that the Browning Arms Company brought the pistol to the United States under the new apt designation of 'Model 1955'. These forms were exported into the country from Belgium though very little differentiated them from their European counterparts apart from the 'Browning' company logo on the receiver sides above the hand grip. Importing of the Model 1955 ceased in 1968 following the 'Gun Control Act of 1968' (signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson) in the United States which set about regulations on the firearms industry and firearm owners. An attempt by Browning to market the pistol to comply with these new restrictions resulted in the 'Model 1971', these models being given an even longer barrel and slide component, a larger hand grip and adjustable sights.
Browning's Model 1910 proved such a world-renowned success that other gun firms were not shy about copying the design outright - or at least borrowing from its successful elements. Despite her 1910-origins, the Model 1910 continued production up until 1983.
sh2dns.netlify.com › ★ ★ Fn 1910 Serial Numbers ★ ★
FN Model 1910
FN Model 1910
TypeSemi-automatic pistol
Place of originBelgium
Production history
DesignerJohn Browning
ManufacturerFabrique Nationale (FN)
Produced1910–1983
VariantsSee Variants
Specifications
MassModel 1910: ca. 590 g
Model 1922: ca. 700 g (unloaded)
LengthModel 1910: 153 mm
Model 1922: 178 mm
Cartridge9×17mm Browning
7.65×17mm Browning
ActionBlowback
Feed systemModel 1910: 6-round (.380) or 7-round (.32) detachable box magazine
Model 1922: 8-round (.380) or 9-round (.32) detachable box magazine
SightsNotch and post iron sights

The FN Model 1910 is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale of Belgium.

Our Assessment: This is a Browning Model 55 pistol in.380 ACP which is the same as the FN Model 1910. It was produced by FN from 1912 to 1983, but only imported by Browning from 1955 to 1968, when importation ceased after the Gun Control Act of 1968. 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. Sep 10, 2013 I have an FN model 1910 serial number 216194 (32 ACP) in nickel. The Belgian proof marks are stamped on the frame and on the barrel. The barrel is also stamped 5653 (proceeded & followed with an up side down T). FN Factory offered blue and nickel finish as options on the 1910 (and the 1922). Plating more common on an engraved 1910 version (5 or 6 (?) factory standard patterns were available over the years, probably custom at a price also). I've not seen a trigger like that on a 1910 or a 1922. Browning records of serial numbers on the 1910/1955 model are vague before 1966. They estmate that number 500,000 was made around 1965, and that 550,000 was the beginning of s erial numbers. This FN Model 1922 is a bring-back that was acquired from the son of a World War II soldier. The serial number is not only stamped on the frame, but also on the slide. The 1910 FN Browning Pistol Also Known as the “New Model” Browning.

Development[edit]

FN Model 1910 of the Gendarmerie of Vaud, on display at Morges castle museum

The FN Model 1910, also known as the Browning model 1910, was a departure for Browning. Before, his designs were produced by both FN in Europe and Colt Firearms in the United States. Since Colt did not want to produce it, Browning chose to patent and produce this design in Europe only. Introduced in 1910, this pistol used a novel operating spring location surrounding the barrel. This location became the standard in such future weapons as the Walther PPK and Russian Makarov.

It incorporated the standard Browning striker-firing mechanism and a grip safety along with a magazine safety and an external safety lever (known as the 'triple safety') in a compact package. Offered in both .380 ACP (6-round magazine) and .32 ACP (7-round magazine) calibres, it remained in production until 1983. It is possible to switch calibres by changing only the barrel. However, FN never offered packages containing a single pistol with both calibre barrels.

Variants[edit]

FN Model 1922 7.65mm

A variant of the Model 1910 was known variously as the Model 1922 or 1910/22. This was a larger model with a longer barrel (113 mm), slide extension, and a longer grip frame to accommodate an extra two rounds. This model was aimed at military and police contracts and many examples were produced for various agencies. The FN Model 1910 was initially designed for the Kingdom of Serbia. In 1913, a purchase order for 235, Model 1910 semi automatic pistols was made by the Serbian National Army. The purchase was made for the 1st and 2nd Timok infantry divisions of the first army.

Do you have any questions regarding your driver installation? Ati radeon hd 4550 driver download.

1910/1922 pistols went on to see extensive service in World War Two, and continued to be manufactured by the Germans after their occupation of Belgium and seizure of the FN factory. These examples carry Nazi production stamps, and most have simple chequered wood grips instead of the earlier horn or plastic grips bearing the FN logo.

The FN Model 1922 was also used by the following countries: Yugoslavia (60,000 Automatski pistolj (Brauning) 9mm M.22 between 1923 and 1930),[1] The Netherlands, Greece, Turkey, Romania, France, Finland, Denmark, and West Germany in the post war period. While the Model 1910 was widely sold on both civilian and military markets, the Model 1922 was considered specifically a military and police pistol, with FN offering it to individual civilians only by special order.

In 1955, the Browning Arms Company introduced the Model 1910 pistol for the American market as the Model 1955. Made in Belgium, this model was virtually identical to the European model except for the markings and grips. Importation ceased in 1968 due to the passage of stricter gun-control laws in the U.S.

Another version, the Model 1971, featured a longer barrel and slide (similar in length to the Model 1922, but with a one-piece slide), adjustable sights, a finger-rest magazine, and enlarged 'target' grips. These features were intended to comply with the Gun Control Act of 1968 which had halted import of the Model 1955.

North Korea made copies of the Model 1910 without licence[citation needed] as the Type 70 pistol. The weapon is made not only for domestic use but also for export.

The Hamada Type or Hamada Type Automatic handgun (浜田式 Hamada shiki?) was a semi-automatic pistol developed in 1941 for use by the Empire of Japan during World War II. Developed by Bunji Hamada, the pistol took its basic design from the Model 1910 Browning. Production occurred at the Japanese Firearms Manufacturing Company, with only minor changes made as the war progressed.

Incidents[edit]

Gavrillo Princip's FN M1910, used to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo

Fn 1910 Serial Number Lookup

An FN M1910, serial number 19074, chambered in .380 ACP[2] was the handgun used by Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, the act that precipitated the First World War.[3] Numerous previous sources erroneously cited the FN Model 1900 in .32 calibre as being the weapon Princip used.[4] This has led to confusion over the calibre of the pistol actually used.

Paul Doumer, President of France, was assassinated by Russian emigre Paul Gorguloff on May 6, 1932 with a Model 1910.[5] The pistol is now in the Musée des Collections Historiques de la Préfecture de Police.[6] A Model 1910 was also used to assassinate Huey Long, governor of Louisiana, on September 5, 1935.[7] During the world wars, the FN 1910 was used by the militaries of Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Finland, Japan (private orders for Japanese officers), and by Peru and Venezuela postwar.

Notes[edit]

  1. ^Scarlata, Paul (1 October 2017). 'Yugoslav Part II: World War II small arms: an assortment of small arms from friends and foe alike'. Firearms News.
  2. ^Belfield, Richard (2011). A Brief History of Hitmen and Assassinations. Constable & Robinson, Ltd. p. 241.
  3. ^Kate Connolly (2004-06-22). 'Found: the gun that shook the world'. The Daily Telegraph.
  4. ^Kinard, Jeff (2004). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. p. 215. ISBN1851094709.
  5. ^Chibli Mallat (6 December 2014). Philosophy of Nonviolence: Revolution, Constitutionalism, and Justice beyond the Middle East. Oxford University Press. p. 325. ISBN978-0-19-939421-0.
  6. ^Le Musée de la Préfecture de Police (The webpage photo of the pistol misidentifies it as a revolver.)
  7. ^http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12410

References[edit]

Serial
  • Vojta, Jira T. in AutoMag, Volume XXXII, Issue 10, January 2000, pp. 231–233.
  • Henrotin, Gerard - FN Browning pistols 1910 & 1922 - HLebooks.com, 2006.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=FN_Model_1910&oldid=910913019'
  • Forum Actions
  • Quick Links

Fn 1910 Serial Number Lookup

  • Thread Tools
  • Display
  1. Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Pictou N.S Canada
    Posts
    296
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    6
    Likes (Received)
    0

    BROWNING FN .32 Pistol

    I have an old FN .32 and I think it is in great shape for its age.
    I was looking for opinions whether I should clean this gun up and restore its finish back to new or leave it as is.
    To me it would be something to do and extra practice on a gun with lots of curves.
    If someone knows value or thinks it would be better to leave it alone, Please let me know.
    Thanks
  2. Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    PA
    Posts
    31
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Boy I think that old horse deserves to live it's days out as it sits. It is your gun though, do what you want.
  3. Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Pictou N.S Canada
    Posts
    296
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    6
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Well everything on it is still sharp and clear. The letters and numbers are not wore out. Matching numbers on everything by the way.Screw heads are good and so is the checkering.Has some normal wear for a gun of this age and use. It does have a broken extractor though.Would like to find one for it.
    Will see what the synopsis is on here as to what I do to it.
    Thanks for reply.
  4. Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Kenora, ON Canada
    Posts
    48
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    3
    Likes (Received)
    0
    It looks like it's in good shape.. I would probably leave it the way it is.
  5. Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    montana usa
    Posts
    61
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    7
    Likes (Received)
    0
    I think it looks good as it is - but its your gun.
    Bill
  6. Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Markham, Ontario
    Posts
    119
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    0
    If it were my gun I would work to make it functional again then spray it with a corrosion inhibitor and store it away for some future display of guns from that era.
    Before storage consider creating a collectable package that includes a target that you have shot showing a nice tight group using custom hand loads. That's as far as I would go.
    Enjoy your project.
  7. Aluminum
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Country
    UNITED STATES
    State/Province
    California
    Posts
    114
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    89
    Likes (Received)
    27
    'To restore or not restore, that is the question.'This forum has some incredible examples of machinery being saved and brought back to better than new in some cases.I am humbled by the skill and knowledge that many members have.Many on this forum have an emotional attachment for things mechanical and many times we see the remark 'I wish it could talk'..we love our machines.To take a nice pistol as you have there and restore it requires that you really question yourself if you have the ability to come close to what its makers produced when new.Some time ago I restored a 1892 Winchester rifle that had been purchased new by my great grand father around 1907. People said I shouldnt do it as it would 'ruin' its value.As I never intend to sell it I restored it with the help of some quality 'smiths' that knew how it would have been delivered in '07. Point being can you do it justice or will it someday be subject to another wanting to do the same thing and wondering why 'somebody' did this or that.I have a special liking for Colt 1905 .45's. I thought I would buy a 'beater' and refinish it.Then I looked at Doug Turnbull's website and saw how he does a restoration on a rare pistol like the '05's..truley a Luke Skywalker/Yoda moment.
    I know how you feel though, wouldnt it be nice to see it and hold it as it was when new?Nice piece by the way.
    CK
    www.turnbullrestoration.com
  8. Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NH
    Posts
    1,120
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    87
    The finish on that 100 year old pistol looks to be pretty good. I would leave it be. I once refinished a 1908 Colt (.380) that was rusty and pitted and had doubts about doing that. That said, I am pleased with the results and I think many would have a hard time discerning if it was refinished without a close inspection. I did not chase out all the pitting. Collectors want original finish. somewhre I have a copy from a gun magazine about refinishing or restoring. A salty old Colt SAA with plenty of wear tells a certain story. A refinished or restored SAA does not have any story other than it was refinished.
  9. Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    630
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    43
    Leave it like it is, clean and oil it. As the others said, the gun tells a story. If you have an urge to play with a gun like this, buy a russian Tokarev 33 on the cheap. Enough sharp edges there to play till kingdom come.
  10. Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NH
    Posts
    1,120
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    87
    Johann, have you seen any Russian TT33's for cheap lately? A good original Russian TT33 can fetch $600.
  11. Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    upper southwest Arkansas,USA
    Posts
    168
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    51
    Likes (Received)
    19
    I would clean it up and repair the function. I would Not refinish it. Much damage by reblueing/refinishing has been done to originals. Once altered they can not be made original again.
    Bobby
  12. Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Posts
    665
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    8
    Likes (Received)
    2
    You've got a pretty nice looking FN Model 1910.. My personal opinion would be to leave it alone. You could do a serial number search/research and determine when it was made. Based on my research it is not terribly valuable, but it is a nice pistol.
    Get it repaired and cleaned up and enjoy it as a nice example of an old pistol.
  13. Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Pictou N.S Canada
    Posts
    296
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    6
    Likes (Received)
    0
    Well it seems so far that I should leave well enough alone.I agree. The pictures don't do it justice actually.I guess I will try to replace the extractor and clean it up again. Where would be a good place to search the serial numbers on it?
    Thanx
  14. Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    356
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    1
    Likes (Received)
    8
    Give the pistol a wipe down with 0000 steel wool and light oil to remove any hint of surface rust, then repair and clean the gun and enjoy it on the range.
    'Restoration' done without the right tools by someone that doesn't understand the nuances (dished screw and pin holes, for instance) reduces the value of the gun and the defects likely can't be corrected, certainly not economically.
  15. Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Pictou N.S Canada
    Posts
    296
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    6
    Likes (Received)
    0
    HOLLISTERGC-
    It is a model 1900. Wrote out West to see if they had extractor ,if not I will make one.
    Oiled it up and will do some sort of cleaning at a later date.
    Thanx
  16. Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Location
    Cincinnati, Ohio
    Posts
    665
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    8
    Likes (Received)
    2
    Sorry, I didn't look at the photo's close enough..
    This is off another site on the web and should give you an idea of the year of production.. It's not exact but should help get you close.
    1900-1901 10,000 FN 1900 pistols serial # 1 to 10,000
    1901-1902 21,700 pistols produced 10,001 to 31,700
    1902- 1903 40,000 produced serial # 31,701 to 71,700
    Aug 4, 1904 serial number 100,000
    1903-1907 328,300 produced serial # 71,701 to 400,000
    1907-1910 275,000 produced serial # 400,001 to 675,000
    1910-1914 49,550 produced serial # 675,000 to 724,550
  17. Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Traverse City, MI
    Posts
    3,325
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    95
    Likes (Received)
    135
    I would vote to leave the finish as is. Gary P. Hansen
  18. Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    Germany
    Posts
    630
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    0
    Likes (Received)
    43
    Johann, have you seen any Russian TT33's for cheap lately? A good original Russian TT33 can fetch $600.
    I´ve seen battered ones for 200-250 Euros, not nice but mechanically sound. Why buy a perfect one when you want something to play and rework?
  19. Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    hope,in
    Posts
    648
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    30
    Likes (Received)
    39
    You should leave it as is. I think any refinish you devalue it. Just oil it and amybe a light steel wool as has been mentioned. I think it looks good like it is.
    Tom
  20. Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Pictou N.S Canada
    Posts
    296
    Post Thanks / Like
    Likes (Given)
    6
    Likes (Received)
    0
    You would think that with the small lack of information on these pistols they might be a little more valuable.I did find some of the same info out there that is posted plus a book or two that can be had but its all basically the same . My serial is in the 300000 range so it is narrowed down.I believe you can pay for a certificate of authenticity from browning with details of where it was made but not sure if it would cover the FN types at all.
    Thanx
Quick NavigationGunsmithingTop
  • Site Areas
  • Forums
  • Manufacturing Today
  • Specific Machine Forums
  • Open Discussion
  • Commerce
  • Machinery Manual, Brochure and Photo Archives
  • Forum features

Fn Browning Model 1910 Pistol


Bookmarks

Fn 1910 Serial Number Dates

Posting Permissions

Fn Browning Model 1910 Serial Numbers

Browning 1910 Serial Number Dates

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  • BB code is On
  • Smilies are On
  • [IMG] code is On
  • [VIDEO] code is On
  • HTML code is Off