Hi Power Question

[ugafx4]

Have not bought it yet, luckily.

The grip is NOT slotted for a stock.

I find it very interesting that the barrel has that stamp where I usually see serial numbers. 318s, you mention a field replacement. Did they have "armourers replacement" parts like lugers or k98s?

I was excited about this find but that barrel means a significant hit to the price. Where would you put it at as a "mismatch" shooter?

Also, the knowledge everyone here has is incredible and I am very lucky to learn from all of you.

[318is_Parabellum]

Ugafx4,
Pure conjecture on my part, but I would feel comfortable answering "yes" to your question regarding the existence of 'armourer's spares'. I arrive at this conclusion based simply on the large number of pistols produced, something on the order of roughly 375,000 (from roughly s/n 10k to 206,000, then 1a to approx. 100000a, then 1b to approx. 63000b) were produced under German supervision by FN, and these numbers do not include the few thousands of pistols that were already in service and were 'captured' by the Germans and pressed into service.

Yes, I would call it a 'mismatch shooter', especially while negotiating a price! Nevertheless, the early WaA613 proofed barrel is interesting in its own right, though it certainly does devalue the piece quite a bit.

I would certainly like to have this one! I don't have any examples of the "type 2 variant" (tangent sight, no stock slot), though I hope to, someday. Nice find!

[lew1]

WaA 613 marked Hi Powers are found in the 44, 45 and 46 thousand range of the pre war Hi Powers. These have commercial markings and are partially marked with Belgian military markings.

Starting with 50,000 (serial number) to around 52,200, the pistols had Belgian commercial markings and WaA 613 on the trigger guard. In that range there was a switch in the markings - the Belgian military markings were discontinued and the WaA 613 and the test proof were on the slide and frame and barrel. Also the serial number placement on the barrel was changed.

After 52,200 the stock slot was no longer.

About 10 to 15 thousand of the Hi Powers were marked with WaA 613.

As to the barrel, it could be an 'armourer's part or it just could be one where the serial number was removed. Remember, there were no working parts on the barrel to break. In any event it is mismatched and not collectible. Also the finish on the Hi Power is poor as indicated by the pictures - which removes much of the collector's value.

[lew1]

Also should mention that there are legit Hi Powers that have both inspection stamps. (WaA 613 and WaA 103) (WaA 103 and WaA 140).

These occurred around the change over in inspectors. I guess that one inspector had started the process and when the second inspector came along, he thought ----- well I am supposed to mark everything, so he re-stamped it.