The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - help understanding what I own here? Browning Hi-power,Ring hammer,Thumb print, pics.

Dave Anderson · March 3, 2012, 08:32 PM

My opinion is this represents the best and most desirable of the commercial High Powers. It was made by FN with total commitment to quality of materials, fit, and workmanship with no corners cut, and no wartime pressure.

The Blue Book suggests a 50% premium for the ring hammer and internal extractor, and a further 60% premium for the thumb print. The pistol as shown was in production for just a few years until the internal extractor and thumb print were dropped, about 1962.

I know of a virtually identical High Power (s/n 87XXX) in virtually new condition, in black pouch with gold zipper (actually not correct era for the pistol but still an item in demand by collectors) which sold recently for the seller's asking price of $800, and the buyer could hardly get his money out fast enough.

March 3, 2012, 08:32 PM	#6
Dave Anderson Senior Member Join Date: March 4, 2011 Posts: 313	My opinion is this represents the best and most desirable of the commercial High Powers. It was made by FN with total commitment to quality of materials, fit, and workmanship with no corners cut, and no wartime pressure. The Blue Book suggests a 50% premium for the ring hammer and internal extractor, and a further 60% premium for the thumb print. The pistol as shown was in production for just a few years until the internal extractor and thumb print were dropped, about 1962. I know of a virtually identical High Power (s/n 87XXX) in virtually new condition, in black pouch with gold zipper (actually not correct era for the pistol but still an item in demand by collectors) which sold recently for the seller's asking price of $800, and the buyer could hardly get his money out fast enough.