^Lot 1537 EXCEEDINGLY SCARCE FABRIQUE NATIONALE SULTAN OF

OMAN HIGH POWER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL WITH SHOULDER STOCK & HOLSTER. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# T195583. Bbl. 4 5/8". According to page 785 of "FN Browning Pistols", Vol. II, Third Edition, by Anthony Vanderlinden, during the late 1960s, Mr. Paul Van Hee was involved with the sale of Cadillac Gage's Commando armored car to the Omani government, around which time Oman requested FN's FN MAG-58 General Purpose Machine Gun as part of the armament, ultimately establishing a relationship between Van Hee / Cadillac Gage with FN. Van Hee learning of Oman's interest in acquiring FN's High Power pistol as a standard military issue sidearm, attempted to secure a contract with Oman for a large number of pistols, though he was not an agent. Several plain pistols were shipped from FN to the U.S. in 1969, where it is believed that they were marked with the Omani crest. Approx. 36 pistols with various features and finishes were roll engraved with the Omani crest, the first 9 crests erroneously applied and subsequent 27 being properly applied. While shown to an Omani delegation, there is no indication that these pistols were ever in or used by Oman, with FN quickly learning of Van Hee's dealings, intervening and selling approx. 5,000 pistols directly to Oman. this scarce example is marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL-BELGIQUE/ BROWNING'S PATENT DEPSOE" on the left side of the slide, with the correct Omani crest (below still yet to be identified engraved appearing as "888") marked on the right. Left side of the forward trigger guard web is stamped "S.", with Belgian commercial proofs marked on the right side, as well as on the right side of the bbl. Metal components exhibit a blue finish overall, save for on the bbl., which is polished in-the-white. The slotted frame is mounted with 2-piece checkered black synthetic grips, with a lanyard stud and ring mount on the left side. Slide features an external extractor and V-notch tangent rear sight, graduated 50-500. Blade front sight is absent. All serialized parts are matching in the "stacked" fashion and include the frame, slide, and bbl. MAGS: 1 13-rd. mag. with aluminum follower, matte blued body, and black enamel finish button type floorplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: page of notes from Charles Wagner detailing this pistol. Pistol is also accompanied by an an original 1970s FN production stock and brown leather holster. Top of lug is appropriately marked with a boxed "C" Belgian military proof. CONDITION: excellent, with metal components retaining bountiful amounts of their original factory blue finish, showing few minute superficial handling marks. Mirror bore, showing some spots of grease, while retaining sharp and well defined rifling throughout. Action functions appropriately when cycled by hand. Grips show a few superficial handling marks, but otherwise present very nicely. Stock is excellent, showing a few superficial marks. Holster remains malleable, showing some light wear, as well as 2 small scratches on the body, just beneath the closure flap. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Charles Wagner. (25-443/MLW). CURIO. $2,000-3,000.