^Lot 2344 FN HIGH POWER, GRAND RENDEMENT, OVAL PORT BELGIAN

ARMY TRIALS PISTOL. Cal. 9x19mm. S# 444. Bbl. 4 3/4". 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 3-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 "444" 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. In keeping with military acceptance, an encircled "H" appears in several locations including the left side of the slide and left side of the frame. Fitted with checkered/bordered walnut grips, stained red on inner surface, and correct prewar magazine with aluminum follower, phosphate body marked with encircled "H", and blued split-tail floorplate. MAGS: 1 13-rd. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: note sheet from Charles Wagner detailing this variation, as well as a invoice from William O. Drollinger (William O. Drollinger is described as a noted American High Power Collector in Blake Stevens' book, "The Browning High Power Automatic Pistol") dated June 26th, 2000. CONDITION: approx. very good with the pistol retaining 70-80% rust blue the balance with sharp edge wear and drifting to a uniform patina. Comparable condition grips that have oil darkening, scattered handling marks, but no splits. Near excellent mag. Dull bore with etching, shallow rifling. Correct manual mechanics. An early Belgian Army trials High Power, with distinctive oval port, difficult to find under any circumstance. (25-451/LMA). CURIO. $10,000-20,000.