need appraisal on Browning 9mm officers model ?

gottagun

Hi all, it's been a fair amount of time since I've offered anything for sale on this site. A few years ago several people were very helpful to me.

I have a Browning 9mm with a four digit serial number ramp sight, hole in the grip for a stock. It's in great shape and I'd like to have it appraised so I can represent it accurately on the host site for sale. Can this be done by photographs sent to an appraiser?

If so I would appreciate any references.

Thanks in advance,
C

rufe-snow

Browning made Tangent Sighted High Powers, that were cut for Shoulder Stock both prior to and after W W II.

The pre war pistols would be more valuable if factory original and in very good to excllent condition.

Here are photos from a on-line collectors site, showing a Browning H-P manufactured prior to W W II.


http://www.panchogun.com/FV-FN-HP35-Belgium-w-Stock-Page.html


If you follow directions on the "sticky", on the top of the forum you shouldn't have any trouble posting photos. Some of our members are very knowledgeable, and could possibly help you acquire a ballpark value for your pistol.

gottagun

Thank you for your reply and the link. I have a few pics and will attempt to upload some tomorrow. That appears to be the firearm.
I may have to drag it out of the safe and take some more, the site you sent me to has much better photos.
If I have difficulty might you be available for me to email photos to to upload? How did they highlight the markings? Chalk?
C

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by gottagun
Thank you for your reply and the link. I have a few pics and will attempt to upload some tomorrow. That appears to be the firearm.
I may have to drag it out of the safe and take some more, the site you sent me to has much better photos.
If I have difficulty might you be available for me to email photos to to upload? How did they highlight the markings? Chalk?
C



You shouldn't have any problem posting quality photos, as long as you follow the directions given in the sticky. The white substance used to high-light the markings, is a product called "paint-stick". It's sold in auto parts stores, commonly used to high-light the markings on tires. As the name notes its in solid form, you rub it over the stamped markings on the pistol. The white paint from the stick fills them in, and makes the markings much easier to see in photos.

gottagun

let's see if this works

http://www.Photoshed.net/is.php?i=5725&img=2471browning_sight_.jpg

http://www.Photoshed.net/is.php?i=5726&img=6930browning_inscri.jpg

If not I'll try and directly add the photo later.
C

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by gottagun
let's see if this works

http://www.Photoshed.net/is.php?i=5725&img=2471browning_sight_.jpg

http://www.Photoshed.net/is.php?i=5726&img=6930browning_inscri.jpg

If not I'll try and directly add the photo later.
C



It is a early one, i.e. pre W W II. The marking ( two letters in oval, with crown on top is a Belgian military acceptance/proof mark ).

Your pictures lack clarity though, primarily because of your lighting technique and their size. When you use direct lighting in your photography, as your primary light source. It has tendency to obscure the details of the surface finish due to the reflection of the light, on the object photographed.


If your H P is factory original, very good condition or better? It would be a very big buck item to a collector. The serial number would put DOM in the mid 30's. As a Belgian military H P from that time frame, with a 4 digit S.N., well into 4 figures. My 2?.

gottagun

Thanks Rufe, I need to go get it out of the safe and take some better photos. How do I rate it's condition. I remember the action being very smooth and clean, the pistol having holster wear on the blueing.

Another question, if I use the paint stick to highlight the markings how do I remove it?

Thank you so much for your assistance.
C

nmyers

If you have a Blue Book of Gun Values by S. Fjestad, there is a guide to rating condition in the front of each book, complete with photo examples.

But, basicly, the condition should be stated as percentage of finish remaining (0-100%), whether finish is original or redone, description of all damage & alterations, & a description of all replaced parts.

Good quality photos can make a HUGE difference in the selling price of a gun. It might be worth your while to pay a professional to take photos for you. (Hint: many wedding photographers have studio experience & equipment.)

Neal

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by gottagun

Another question, if I use the paint stick to highlight the markings how do I remove it?






Don't be wasting your best Scotch, 99% isopropyl (drugstore) alcohol will do. Preferably ( what ever rocks your boat ), using a used tooth brush.

gottagun

Thank you Neal........I plan to try again.
C

gottagun

Thanks again Rufe,
I sincerely appreciate your help.
Cora