Make: Made by FN for Browning

Model: High Power

Serial Number: 245PM07410

Year of Manufacture: 1980

Caliber: 9mm

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed

Barrel Length: 4 5/8"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece stag panels with lead backing-plates filling in the rear contour of the frame. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Refinished when engraved by Ben Shostle. Serial-matching barrel.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is a little stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition as custom-engraved.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The pistol comes in a wood presentation case with key, US Marshal badge encased in a display with Clint T. Peoples engraved plate, and framed FBI patch with engraved plate for Clint Peoples from the Dallas FBI Associates. A single 13-round magazine is included.

Our Assessment: The Browning Hi-Power is a single-action, semi-automatic handgun based on a design by American firearms inventor John Browning, completed by Dieudonne Saive at Fabrique Nationale in Herstal, Belgium. Browning died in 1926, several years before the design was finalized. FN Herstal initially named the design the "High Power", which alludes to the 13-round magazine capacity, almost twice that of other designs at the time.

This example has been beautifully engraved by Ben Shostle with his characteristic deep relief scroll, given a beautiful satin nickel finish, and equipped with an attractive pair of stag grip panels. The work is signed “SHOSTLE” on the upper left grip frame just below the slide serrations. Per our consignor, this pistol was sold by the widow of Texas Ranger and U.S. Marshal Clinton Thomas Peoples. He served as a Ranger from 1946-1974 and was made the Senior Captain of the Texas Rangers in 1979. In 1974, he was appointed U.S. Marshal of the Northern District of Texas by Richard Nixon, serving until his retirement in 1989. This cased pistol and the accompanying display pieces from Peoples' collection will make a wonderful display in any collection, especially those focused on law enforcement arms or Texas history. Please see our photos and good luck!