Browning FN 1906 Triple Safety Model | Early Semi-Automatic Pocket Pistol | Belgium | Circa 1912–1914
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Belgium (Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, Herstal)
Material: Steel with factory blued finish, checkered grips
Period: Early 20th Century (Serial #368133; pre–World War I, ca. 1912–1914)
Description
A historically significant and highly collectible firearm, this Browning FN Model 1906 pocket pistol represents one of the most influential semi-automatic handguns of the early 20th century. Correctly designated the Modèle 1906 (often misidentified as the Model 1905 due to its patent date), this compact 6.35mm pistol quickly became a global standard for civilian self-defense arms.
This example is a third variant "Triple Safety Model", distinguished by its enlarged manual safety lever, added magazine safety, and unique slide detents—features that set it apart from earlier iterations. Serial number 368133 firmly places it within the pre–World War I production period, prior to FN’s wartime halt in 1914.
The pistol has been professionally deactivated, with the barrel welded, rendering it permanently inoperable.
Features
- FN Browning Model 1906, serial #368133
- Third variant with triple safety system: grip safety, manual safety, and magazine safety
- Compact 6.35mm (.25 ACP) “pocket model” design
- Early production, predating World War I
- Barrel welded and deactivated; non-functional collector’s example
- Dimensions: 4.5 in by 3 in
Cultural Significance
The Model 1906, designed by John Moses Browning, revolutionized the concept of the pocket pistol. Concealable, reliable, and mass-produced, it became immensely popular across Europe and beyond for civilian and officer carry. Production exceeded one million units before its successor, the Baby Browning, was introduced in 1931. This third-variant “Triple Safety” is especially notable as one of the earliest semi-automatic pistols to feature layered safety mechanisms, bridging Browning’s pioneering designs with later refinements.
Condition
Good collectible condition with honest age wear to the finish. Surfaces show light patina and use consistent with period sidearms. Barrel has been permanently welded for deactivation. Grips and frame remain structurally sound.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 4.5 in
Height: 3 in
Age
Circa 1912–1914, pre–World War I production (Serial #368133)
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Belgium (Fabrique Nationale d’Armes de Guerre, Herstal)
Material: Steel with factory blued finish, checkered grips
Period: Early 20th Century (Serial #368133; pre–World War I, ca. 1912–1914)
Description
A historically significant and highly collectible firearm, this Browning FN Model 1906 pocket pistol represents one of the most influential semi-automatic handguns of the early 20th century. Correctly designated the Modèle 1906 (often misidentified as the Model 1905 due to its patent date), this compact 6.35mm pistol quickly became a global standard for civilian self-defense arms.
This example is a third variant "Triple Safety Model", distinguished by its enlarged manual safety lever, added magazine safety, and unique slide detents—features that set it apart from earlier iterations. Serial number 368133 firmly places it within the pre–World War I production period, prior to FN’s wartime halt in 1914.
The pistol has been professionally deactivated, with the barrel welded, rendering it permanently inoperable.
Features
- FN Browning Model 1906, serial #368133
- Third variant with triple safety system: grip safety, manual safety, and magazine safety
- Compact 6.35mm (.25 ACP) “pocket model” design
- Early production, predating World War I
- Barrel welded and deactivated; non-functional collector’s example
- Dimensions: 4.5 in by 3 in
Cultural Significance
The Model 1906, designed by John Moses Browning, revolutionized the concept of the pocket pistol. Concealable, reliable, and mass-produced, it became immensely popular across Europe and beyond for civilian and officer carry. Production exceeded one million units before its successor, the Baby Browning, was introduced in 1931. This third-variant “Triple Safety” is especially notable as one of the earliest semi-automatic pistols to feature layered safety mechanisms, bridging Browning’s pioneering designs with later refinements.
Condition
Good collectible condition with honest age wear to the finish. Surfaces show light patina and use consistent with period sidearms. Barrel has been permanently welded for deactivation. Grips and frame remain structurally sound.
Dimensions (approximate)
Length: 4.5 in
Height: 3 in
Age
Circa 1912–1914, pre–World War I production (Serial #368133)
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