^Lot 1534 GERMAN OCCUPATION FABRIQUE NATIONALE HIGH POWER

SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 191996. Bbl. 4 5/8". High Power semi-automatic pistol mfg. by Fabrique Nationale while under German occupation, between December of 1942 and August of 1944 (this example likely towards the latter). The left side the slide is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE 'ARMES DE GUERRE/ HERSTAL BELGIQUE/ BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE", followed by a German Eagle/WaA140 proof and eagle firing proof (both also present on the left side of the frame). Left side of the bbl. exhibits 2 partially discernible Eagle/WaA140 proofs. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on the bbl., which is polished in-the-white. Frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered wood grips. Thumbprint slide with fixed U-notch rear sight (half-moon blade front sight is absent). All serialized parts are matching and include the frame, slide, and bbl. MAGS: 1 blued 13-rd. mag. with blued split tail floorplate, marked with a faint Eagle/WaA140 proof on the spine. CONDITION: metal components retain the majority of their original factory blue finish, exhibiting areas of wear and thinning that show through to gray patina, scattered superficial handling marks, as well as some spots/areas of light to mild pitting. Top of the slide exhibits striations at the rear from prior cleaning. Grip straps exhibit wear, thinning, and striations from prior cleaning, that shows through to a gray patina. Dark bore, exhibiting consistent moderate pitting, while retaining good rifling throughout. Grips show some smoothing, as well as some scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sturdy and serviceable. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Charles Wagner. (25-447/MLW). CURIO. $1,200-1,800.