FN 1899
This is a rare example of one of the earliest F.N. Browning patent Model 1899/1900 test pistols.
This example has the characteristics and proof marks from both the Model 1899 and early 1900 test pistols.
This rare pistol has the early style flat "non-reinforced" frame characteristics of the 1899 models with the later slide and proof marks of the model 1900 pistol.
These pistols have the slightly longer grip frame and not the short version of the compact models.
The left side of the frame has the early "spotfaced" Safe and Fire markings of "FEU and SUR". The only number found on the pistol is number "4" which is stamped on the underside of both grip panels.
It does have the one-line factory markings on the left side of the barrel of: "Fabrique Nationale Herstal Liège (Browning's patent)" . It also carries the later FN factory proofs of a: "Star/W" proofs over the Belgian/FN Perron mechanism proofmark on the frame, the area directly in front of the slide serrations and the left side of the rear sight.
Also interesting is that the left side of the barrel has the early "Crown/R" black powder barrel proof (as used before 1903) over the same "Star/W", Belgium Perron proof and then the FN Factory "Epreuve de Liege" (Crown/E/L/G) final acceptance proof.
It is with its original early Browning six-hole magazine (the second variation with the larger holes).
