Japanese FN 1910 With Unique Burma History

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Prohib Item #C617

Japanese FN 1910 With Unique Burma History

  • Licensing Category: Prohib
  • Maker: FN
  • Model: 1910
  • Caliber/Gauge: .380 ACP

  • Description:

    We are pleased to offer a Model 1910 FN Browning pistol with some unique history.  The right side of the slide shows three lines of engraving related to its' history.  This pistol came to Canada in the late 1960's as part of settlers effects of the late Kit Ravenshear.  Kit Ravenshear owned and operated a collector firearms business in Framhingham England (Normans of Framhingham) .He acquired this piece during a Firearm's Amnesty.  I first saw this pistol (which was part of his personal collection) in Nova Scotia at that time.  Kit Ravenshear remained in Nova Scotia for several years prior to moving to the U.S.A. His name is widely recognized as one of the foremost antique firearm restorers and as the Supervisor of the re-armament of Fortress Louisbourg (Parks Canada).  We were unaware of the status of this pistol until we recently acquired a collection of a well known deceased automatic pistol collector.  Included with the item is a letter dated September 1973 which outlines the history to the prior owners.  The letter sets out the name of the British WW2 soldier who was a POW of the Japanese in Burma.  The letter outlines the Japanese use of the pistol and the circumstances of how it was obtained and brought back to England. The pistol remains in very good original condition and was built in 1912-13 time period.  This pistol was not one of the Japanese foreign procured items. This pistol was probably one of the countless Japanese captured and utilized firearms.  There are references to the captured weapons in the respected work "Japanese Military Cartridge Handguns 1893-1945" by Derby and Brown.  In addition see "FN Browning Pistols" expanded second edition by Anthony Vanderlinden.The pistol shows obvious usage but retains 90 to 95% of its original finish.  It shows a bright very good bore and original grips and magazine.  The engraved slide is post WWII and is typical English style.  It shows the engraver's serial line and original cuts. This piece comes with a spare FN magazine marked FN & 7.65 but feeds and functions the 380 rounds. The pistol rides in a mid war production Japanese holster which shows the five pointed star on the front flap and the reverse side of the holster body.  The interior of the flap shows the two Dai stamps and two ink stamps.  Also included with this item are 6 professional photographs of the pistol (black & White) circa early 1990's and 3 later color photos relating to the Burma Railway.  I was told that this pistol was the subject of an article in some publication years ago. Unfortunately, we have no information on the same.  It is obvious that we can only provide any purchaser with the information that we have at hand.  We do, however, have the personal knowledge as to the existence of the item when it came to Canada in the late 1960's and personally knew both of the prior deceased owners. A very interesting and unique item that is available to any prohib status purchaser.  We also are in the position to sell the item as a deactivated and deregistered piece.