Browning M1910 Pistol

The Browning Model 1910 pistol is a single action, blowback operated semi automatic pistol. The recoil spring is located around the barrel. The trigger is of single action type and the gun is striker fired. The pistol has three safeties; a magazine safety which blocks the firing pin when the magazine is removed, an automatic grip safety and manual, frame mounted safety. The pistol is in original high lustre bluing and features dark brown plastic pistol grips. Calibre - .32 ACP (7.65 x 17 mm) . The magazine is a detachable, 7 shot, inline configuration. Markings - FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES de GUERRE HERSTAL - BELGIQUE;BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE. MANUFACTURER CYPHERS ON FRAME AND BARREL. G 2.4 on handguard.

This Browning Model 1910 pistol was brought back to Australia after the Second World War by a member of 460 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force. The officer concerned flew as a navigator on a number of missions on the Lancaster bomber 'G' for George. The pistol came into the possession of the officer during the closing stages of the Second World War during the surrender of a German airfield. British Bomber Command would fly aircraft into Europe to accept the surrender of small German airfields. Upon landing two or three aircraft, their armaments would be trained on the German administration buildings and the officer in charge would approach the buildings and accept the surrender of the German officer in charge. Surrendered weapons would then be gathered. On one trip the officer decided to keep this pistol, one of the surrendered weapons.