FN supplied approximately 2,400 Hi-Powers, (with shoulder stocks) to the Finnish Air Force in 1940, in the serial number range between 11,000 and 14,000.
These were not specifically manufactured for the Finns as a separate contract, but were taken from pistols, previously made, that were in inventory.
Regular production of the Hi-Power commenced in either late 1933 or 1934 with the "Oval" port Hi-Powers. The "1935" date is when the Belgian military accepted the Hi-Power (which produced the modification of the ejection port from oval in shape to what we see today).
I have a Oval port Hi-Power, serial No. 2, Belgian military accepted, which is possibly one of the pistols initially reviewed by the Belgian military.
I have another Hi-Power, mfg around 1929/1930, but it wasa pre-production example with features that are not found on later examples. This version could not have been the one referred to in the article as only two were known to have been made.
Just remember when JM Browning's patents were registered. Without checking my notes and going from sheer memory this was 1928.
|