Mystery Hi Power

[Stronginthearm]

Hello all, I would greatly appreciate any help at all in figuring out the background of my Belgian Made Hi Power that was made without serial numbers. There are lots of other markings on it, and from my own research I have been able to narrow it down to manufactured post WW2 but pre 1963 when the extractor became external. There was a reference to the cut-out or finger groove on the right side of the slide to assist take-down, but I don't remember when it was introduced or discontinued.

The big thing for me is that it was made with no serial numbers, but has had a serial number added recently (laser engraved), 3 digits only "009" on barrel, frame and slide.

There are some other mysterious markings stamped on the bottom front of the grip strap which read "LGK K" and "0048" and others that are barely legible and appear more hieroglyphic on the bottom heel of the grip.

I am told that some of these guns were manufactured without serial numbers for covert operations by certain governments...

The sad thing is the seller had no information and for privacy reasons would not put me in touch with the previous owner for any provenance.

Any help at all would be most appreciated. If anyone is interested in it, make me an offer.

Information

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[gunner]

Your FN was in Austrian Service. They had their own serial numbers and the Marking LGK K is for Landes Gendarmerie Kommando Kärnten.The Austrian Police used them after the war til they got their new Glock 17. Nice one!

[Peter Laidler]

We have one of the 'intelligence types' who works 'along the corridor..................' for want of a better phrase and we chat about these 'sterile' things that are often mentioned on the forums, especially weapons and he dismisses such notions except in the most rare and extreme circumstances, as the stuff of James Bond, fairy stories and comic book heroes (his words, not mine!).

It's a fact that once any weapon is captured, then it'd take the maximum of 5 minutes before it was identified by type, make and calibre, regardless of a serial number and about 6 hours before it could be identified to a particular nation. Just ask any Police investigator who finds weapons used in crime......... In the majority of 'intelligence', you wouldn't want a sterile weapon, you want one that will put someone OFF the scent. If it's a trail you want to lay, you want one that CAN be identified..........

Another thread talks about sterile Bren Guns for the resistance........................ I mean........, xxxing hell........, sterile Bren guns. That's about as subtle as a fog horn!

[Stronginthearm]

Thank you Ulrich, that is a big help.

[gunner]

You´re welcome!

[Lee Enfield]

There was a reference to the cut-out or finger groove on the right side of the slide to assist take-down, but I don't remember when it was introduced or discontinued

The "thumb-print" was discontinued @1958 according to the info I've read.

I think that your post-war contract gun has a replacement barrel, otherwise the barrel, slide and frame would probably all be numbered "009"

[Stronginthearm]

think that your post-war contract gun has a replacement barrel, otherwise the barrel, slide and frame would probably all be numbered "009"

Well fortunately for me the barrel, frame and slide are all marked 009 by laser engraving (ie recent), but unlike some others that I have since seen, the other ( stock) number 0048 is in the front strap only.

Again thanks to everyone for your help. I have a new appreciation for my find.