Project Description
This is a 1/2 scale 1935 Browning Hi-Power semi-automatic pistol made by Miniart in Moscow, Russia. 3 7/8″ long overall with a 1 3/4″ rifled barrel. 100% fully mechanically functional. This started out as a standard Hi-Power with blue finished steel & two piece checkered walnut grips with a single retaining screw on each side. Lanyard ring on the left bottom of the grip. The left side of the slide marked “FABRIQUE NATIONALE D’ARMS DE GUERREHERSTAL-BELGIQUE, BROWNING’S PATENT DEPOSE”. Serial # 026 stamped into the barrel, frame, and slide on the right side. Serrated hammer spur, the hammer with half & full cock. Fixed blade type front sight, dovetailed rear sight. Fully functional, and will feed, chamber, extract, & eject the included 3 solid steel dummy rounds when the action is cycled manually.
This miniature was later sent to master engraver Roger Sampson to be engraved to match the Renaissance Hi-Power pistols made by Browning. Mr. Sampson did an outstanding job on the engraving with the same style & coverage as the originals! He also removed the original lanyard ring which would not be proper on a Renaissance model. The front strap is signed by Mr. Sampson on “R. SAMPSON 112”. I’m not sure who, but someone, maybe Mr. Sampson, replaced the wood grips with beautiful mother of pearl. The pistol was then finished in satin nickel with a gold plated trigger, most likely by master firearms finisher Terry Farrand. It now includes five solid steel dummy cartridges with brass plated cases & copper plated projectiles. I’m sure this is the only engraved Miniart Browning Hi-Power in the world! Near mint condition, I’d call it 99%. Stock # WD-3595-A. Price: $7,500.00.
