FN HIGH POWER, GRAND RENDEMENT, OVAL PORT PISTOL, DOCUMENTED

FN HIGH POWER, GRAND RENDEMENT, OVAL PORT PISTOL, DOCUMENTED

25-1633
Cal. 9mmP (9mm Luger)
S# 128

The Oval Port Grand Rendement has long been considered a “Holy Grail” gun for most HP collectors. Rarely coming up for sale, production was limited to just 1100 pistols of which 1000 were earmarked for Belgian military trials, the balance for sales samples and demonstrations. This particular pistol is of standard configuration with drift adjustable front sight and early style tangent sight, graduated from 50-500, whereby the numbering is limited to the rear portion of the sight bar. Standard three-line address on left side of slide with usual proofs on left side of slide and frame with repetition on exposed barrel hood that is also marked with the caliber. The full serial number “128” appears on the left (inner surface) of the barrel hood along with the right side of the slide and frame that is slotted for stock. Fitted with checkered/bordered walnut grips and correct prewar magazine with aluminum follower, phosphate body, and blued split-tail floorplate. Several parts marked with the inspection “box A” but no military “circle H”. Pistol with the same external appearance is shown on page 692 of the Vanderlinden book “FN Browning Pistols”, 3rd edition, pg. 692 with exact SN listed on pg. 691. A copy of unnotarized correspondence forwarded by Wm. O. Drollinger from the late Capt. Bozanno of Asuncion, Paraguay, cited that pistol #128 was one of four pistols sent from FN to the government of Paraguay in the summer of 1936. After successful testing, the Paraguayan Army ordered 500 additional guns in late 1937.

PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Charles Wagner

STATUS: CURIO