[cpw]

Never that easy to tell from photos, but I would JUDGE (to the extent i can) that it has the original finish, with a lot of wear.

The grips are almost certainly FN originals, but don't seem to be nearly as worn as the rest of the pistol, suggesting they may have been exchanged for some off another pistol at some point, one newer and with less wear.

The 'red' on the back of the grips is too deep for an early pre war Hi Power. (The inside coating/coloring would be the same color as that on the pre war grips.)

 

[cpw]

The grips were likely changed when the original one were worn smooth or were damaged. Those people were not collectors and were concerned only with the proper function of the pistol. And the existing drips are a part of the history of the pistol.

If you are so interested and so inclined, it is possible to find the early grips. Not easy, but not all that hard. But like you said, plastic ones were not used, but even those are a part of the history of the pistol.

 

[cpw]

I hope more folks will chime in and report their Iraqi HP serial numbers. Our small sample has a 32,000 spread between the high and low serial numbers. I'm sure some of these HP were consumed in the Iran / Iraq war that lasted from September 1980 to August 1988 and then the two Gulf Wars between Iraq and the Western Coalition - - who knows how many were destroyed in the military conflicts and post-war by the occupying forces.

You know that the ones you are referring to are contraband as (1) the Gun Control act of 1968 makes their importation illegal, and/or (2) they were brought back by members of the military in contravention of the military rules.

In the latter instance, it would be similar to having possession of a Monet that was stolen by the Germans under Hitler which could get you jail time and the Monet being returned. So imagine the fun ATF can have if they decide to enforce the law.

 

[cpw]

You really do not know Hi Powers or the law. Where I come from a contract in the 1980s would have been made after the Gun Control Act of 1968. Since it was a military pistol, it would not have been importable under that laws - therefore illegal. I strongly suggest that you read the law.

If it were a commercial pistol or a police pistol, it would be importable and then should, by law, be import marked. Some Iraqi contract pistols were brought in by Cole as they had been re-designated as police pistols by reason of their capture. They will be import marked as required by law.


Im amy event, if a 1980's pistol is not import marked, it is in the country illegally.

By the way, I do have a couple Hi Powers. Here is a picture of my Hi Power display at the Missouri Valley Arms Collectors show in July of 2006.

 

[cpw]

Very nice condition, you did well. Pre 68.