1941 German High Power with Tangent Sight


Description:
For sale is a High Power made under German occupation during WW2. This pistol has matching serials on the frame, slide, and barrel of 76358, putting it in approximately June 1941 production. Likewise, it has its tangent rear sight, which Germany would scrap by the following year. It has correct WaA103 waffenampts throughout. Although the magazine does not serially match the pistol, it's also marked WaA103 with serial 93538, putting its manufacture as only one month or so off. As shown in the pictures, the finish largely worn off, but it has not been refinished or chromed as seen in many other, similar examples.  

During WW2 Germany utilized three variations of Waffenampts with High Power production: WaA613, WaA103, and WaA140. When Germany took over the FN plant in May 1940, they began production with WaA613 at serial 50,001. At approximately serial 65,000 they transitioned to WaA103, and at approximately serial 93,000 they transitioned to WaA140, which they used for the remainder of the war. Once serials reached approximately 212,000 the Germans restarted and added the suffix "a". Once they reached serial 99,999a, they restarted again and used the suffix "b". Production ended at approximately 63,000b. Consequently, of the approximately 330,000 High Powers manufactured under German occupation, about 15,000 of them bear waffenampt WaA613, and about another 25,000 bear WaA103. Of the remaining 290,000, High Powers marked WaA140, these suffered from worsening manufacturing setbacks. As the war progressed, Germany became increasingly dependent on unskilled forced labor, material shortages became more apparent, and they were increasingly dealing with deliberate sabotage. In particular, this led to heat treatment issues with affected parts appearing operable until they suddenly and unexpectedly weren't. Consequently, it is strongly discouraged to shoot a WaA140 High Power.

Conversely, at the time this pistol was made, Germany was utilizing more trained FN staff, was at or almost at the height of their power during the war, and produced a more refined product similar to prewar examples FN was renowned for. Asking $1450 plus shipping. Feel free to ask any questions and thank you for looking!

Curio/Relic: Yes
Handgun Caliber: 9x19mm Parabellum (9mm Luger, 9x19mm NATO)

Price: $1,450.00