FN Browning m1922 (9mm) unknown markings

matejdovc2367 · March 23, 2014, 05:00 PM

Hey, I'm trying to date the gun that I own and it is 9mm FN Browning model 1922 and I have a few questions about markings. All I know is that "S" means for Yugoslavia kingdom. It is also strange to me that left on the slide is no markings of manufacturer. The serial number is 316xx. Thank you for any information.

Best Regards
Matej

matejdovc2367 · March 23, 2014, 05:08 PM

3 more photos

PetahW · March 23, 2014, 05:59 PM

.

Strictly speaking, it's neither a 9mm (how most label the Luger/Parabellum round) or a Browning (no "Browning" name/logo/address) - it's a .380ACP/9mmKurtz (short); and it's strictly an FN, since the Browning versions weren't made until 1955 (over 30 years later than the DOM of your FN).

The proofmarks are the normal Belgian nitro proof variety, that all FN's (and Brownings, since FN made those Browning pistols) carry.

I have no clue, about "S"/Yugoslavia markings - but would WAG that if that's what it has, then it was once a Yugoslavian military or police issue arm.

.

Ibmikey · March 23, 2014, 06:13 PM

What Petah said plus it has been buffed and chromed at a later date. These pistols were made in .32 and 380 (7.65/ 9mm kurz) and used extensively during WWII.

mete · March 23, 2014, 06:45 PM

www.cruffler.com has lots of details of what countries bought it and how many.
Yours has seen a rough life and someone thought a bit of chrome would help.It's really an FN rather than a Browning.

gyvel · March 24, 2014, 06:24 AM

With that serial number, I don't think it is a Yugoslavian contract piece.

trigger643 · March 24, 2014, 06:25 AM

The barrel has been struck with common Prewar Belgium proofs. The "crown PV" is Nitro Proof. "Crown R" proof is used on a rifled barrels produced since 1924. The little thing that looks like a "candle stick" is the caliber proof. The washed out horizontal is the caliber accompanying that candle stick. "Crown E.L.G." is the Definitive proof barrel proof. The "Star E" is the inspector mark for Jamart Auguste, an FN inspector from 1924-1959 and provided the final inspection on the barrel/firearm.

As for the Circle S, there are a couple of possibilities. Silesia Police, though unlikely. Year mark (1940). Or most likely some final inspector's mark not in my reference books.

tipoc · March 24, 2014, 02:11 PM

Not chromed, nickle plated. polished all to heck and then nickle plated.

tipoc

James K · March 24, 2014, 02:30 PM

There were markings on the slide that would provide more information, but the gun has been "polished" to remove them. A prime example of a gun that has been "improved" so much it is nearly worthless.

Jim

March 23, 2014, 06:45 PM	#5
mete Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2004 Location: NY State Posts: 6,575	www.cruffler.com has lots of details of what countries bought it and how many. Yours has seen a rough life and someone thought a bit of chrome would help.It's really an FN rather than a Browning. __________________ And Watson , bring your revolver !

March 23, 2014, 05:59 PM	#3
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	. Strictly speaking, it's neither a 9mm (how most label the Luger/Parabellum round) or a Browning (no "Browning" name/logo/address) - it's a .380ACP/9mmKurtz (short); and it's strictly an FN, since the Browning versions weren't made until 1955 (over 30 years later than the DOM of your FN). The proofmarks are the normal Belgian nitro proof variety, that all FN's (and Brownings, since FN made those Browning pistols) carry. I have no clue, about "S"/Yugoslavia markings - but would WAG that if that's what it has, then it was once a Yugoslavian military or police issue arm. .

March 23, 2014, 06:13 PM	#4
Ibmikey Senior Member Join Date: June 1, 2013 Location: Now relocated to Texas Posts: 2,943	What Petah said plus it has been buffed and chromed at a later date. These pistols were made in .32 and 380 (7.65/ 9mm kurz) and used extensively during WWII.

March 24, 2014, 06:24 AM	#6
gyvel Senior Member Join Date: August 30, 2009 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,172	With that serial number, I don't think it is a Yugoslavian contract piece.

March 24, 2014, 06:25 AM	#7
trigger643 Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2011 Posts: 322	The barrel has been struck with common Prewar Belgium proofs. The "crown PV" is Nitro Proof. "Crown R" proof is used on a rifled barrels produced since 1924. The little thing that looks like a "candle stick" is the caliber proof. The washed out horizontal is the caliber accompanying that candle stick. "Crown E.L.G." is the Definitive proof barrel proof. The "Star E" is the inspector mark for Jamart Auguste, an FN inspector from 1924-1959 and provided the final inspection on the barrel/firearm. As for the Circle S, there are a couple of possibilities. Silesia Police, though unlikely. Year mark (1940). Or most likely some final inspector's mark not in my reference books.

March 24, 2014, 02:11 PM	#8
tipoc Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2004 Location: Redwood City, Ca. Posts: 4,114	Not chromed, nickle plated. polished all to heck and then nickle plated. tipoc

March 24, 2014, 02:30 PM	#9
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	There were markings on the slide that would provide more information, but the gun has been "polished" to remove them. A prime example of a gun that has been "improved" so much it is nearly worthless. Jim