Following the German capture of Belgium in May 1940, the Oberkommando des Heeres seized the Fabrique Nationale (FN) plant in Herstal, ordering immediate continuation of Hi-Power manufacturing under the German ordnance designation Pistole 640(b). Designed by John Moses Browning and refined by Dieudonné Saive, the Hi-Power was prized by frontline troops for its unprecedented 13-round double-stack capacity. It became one of the most coveted sidearms of the war, seeing extensive service with Heer officers, Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers), and elite combat divisions.

Mechanical & Design Features

• Action & Caliber: Short-recoil operated, locked-breech semi-automatic chambered in 9mm Luger (9x19mm), fed by an original 13-round staggered double-column magazine.

• Ergonomics & Controls: Single-action combat trigger, frame-mounted thumb safety, integrated magazine disconnect mechanism, and ergonomic grip contouring.

• Slide & Markings: Roll-stamped with the classic factory two-line address: FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE over BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE, complemented by standard wartime military sights.

• Grips & Finish: Retains original dark-checkered European walnut grip panels (often retaining red backer paint) and period-authentic military blued finish displaying honest service holster wear.

Source & Provenance (Sauce)

• Manufacturer: Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, Herstal, Belgium, under direct German military occupation (c. 1940–1944).

• Proof Stamps: Crisp, authentic German military Waffenamt inspection stamps (WaA140) accompanied by the standard military test eagle stamped cleanly on the slide, frame, and exposed barrel chamber.

• Integrity & Function: Matching serial numbers on the slide, frame, and barrel assembly, sharp bore rifling, positive magazine lockup, and smooth mechanical cycling.

Availability

Available at: Armfoundry.com