Make: FN During German Occupation

Model: 1922 WaA140 A Suffix

Serial Number: 29495a, matching serialized parts

Year of Manufacture: 1943 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: 7.65mm / .32 ACP

Action Type: Semi automatic, striker fired, detachable magazine

Barrel Length: 4.4"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a v-notch dovetailed into the slide.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered horn with FN logos. The left grip panel has a cutout for a lanyard loop that would normally be present on other models. These grips are still possibly original, during shortages Germany used spare grips from earlier models. The checkering shows moderate handling wear and some minor blemishes. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some light fouling and a few small freckles of oxidation in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. There is light thinning in the finish with edge wear and typical handling wear. The screw head on the grips shows minimal tooling and retains a turnable slot. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this pistol rates in about Very Good Plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One WaA140 proofed 8rd magazine, one unproofed late war 8rd magazine, and a 1943 dated Model 1922 holster which was likely a Russian capture

Our Assessment: This transitional German military Model 1922 pistol dates to 1943 and reflects a late-war continuation of prewar commercial designs pressed into military service. Produced during the height of World War II, this example bears the WaA140 Waffenamt acceptance and the correct "A" suffix serial range, placing it squarely within documented German military procurement. Transitional pistols of this type illustrate the practical realities of wartime production, where established patterns were adapted and standardized for issue as the conflict intensified.

Chambered in 7.65mm Browning, also known as .32 Auto, with a 4.4" barrel, the Model 1922 was well suited to its intended role as a military and police sidearm. The .32 Auto cartridge had long been favored in Europe for its controllability and reliability in compact service pistols, and it remained in widespread use throughout the Second World War. The bore rates a strong 9 out of 10, and the action functions correctly, indicating a mechanically sound example that has been well preserved.

Approximately 90% of the original blued finish remains, with matching numbered parts throughout, enhancing both its originality and historical integrity. Accompanying the pistol is an original 1943 dated German holster, adding period-correct completeness to the set. As a matching, Waffenamt-marked transitional Model 1922 with a correct holster, this pistol offers a concise and tangible link to mid-war German small-arms production and service use.