Object Title

Centrefire self-loading pistol - FN Browning Model 1910

Centrefire self-loading pistol - FN Browning Model 1910

Date

about 1912

Object Number

PR.8687

Provenance

Gifted with the Pattern Room by the Ministry of Defence, August 2005 Gifted to the Pattern Room by the Metropolitan police, New Scotland Yard, London, September 1992

Physical Description

Blued. Squeeze safety on back strap. Chequered grips of plastic. Ejection port on right side. Notch and blade type sights. Textured strip on top of slide. Magazine catch located on underside of grip. Exposed extractor. The grips are chequered bearing the FN monogram. This is a straight blowback striker fired pistol. The mainspring is housed around the barrel.

Materials

Dimensions

BarrelLength3.35 in
BarrelLength85 mm
OverallLength6 in
OverallLength153 mm
OverallWeight0.58 kg
OverallWeight1.45 lb

Firearms/Artillery

Serial Number 19590

Calibre

9 mm

Inscriptions and Marks

Proof Mark
* over E
Left side of frame
Stamped
Serial number
19590
right side of frame
stamped
Manufacturer's mark
FABRIQUE NATIONALE D' ARMS de GUERRE HERSTAL-BELGIQUE. over BROWNING' S-PATENT DEPOSE
Left side of slide
Stamped
Monogram
FN
Grips
In relief
View mark
Liege Perron (View stamp and inspectors mark for parabellum pistols).
Barrel and left side of frame and slide.
Stamped
Proof Mark
Lion over PV (Nitro proof for rifled barrel and parabellum pistols)
Left side of slide and barrel.
Stamped
Controller's Mark
V in a circle.
Right side of trigger guard
Stamped

Associations

Bibliographic References

The Archduke and the Bullet-Proof Vest: 19th-Century Innovation Versus 20th-Century Firepower

Notes

Small in size, this pistol was easily concealed. This is the same model of pistols used in the assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in 1914, by Gavrilo Princip. The serial number, 19590, makes this the 516th pistol produced after the murder weapon. Produced for civilian sale in both .32 and .380 ACP calibres, the more powerful .380 also saw use with the Belgian military.

Information

The collections data published on Royal Armouries Collections Online has been compiled over the life of the museum. We are aware that some of the records reflect ideas that are now outdated or contain terminology that may now be considered discriminatory or offensive. We are actively taking steps to resolve these issues and will review and update records accordingly. Please contact us to improve our knowledge of the collection or draw our attention to any material that you believe to be discriminatory or offensive by using the "improve our records" button above.