Had the opportunity to pick up a very rarely encountered Turkish Officer's Contract FN Model 1922 pistol in 9mm kurtz (.380 auto) at the recent Poulin's Auction, with the right side slide legend of T.C. SUBAY.
Turkey placed at least four small orders for the FN1922 from the mid-1920's to late 1930's. This pistol came from a production run of around 3,000 units, manufactured at Fabrique Nationale of Belgium in 1939. The contract was shipped shortly after the Nazi invasion of Poland, and was intercepted by Germany before it could reach Turkey. The Germans then issued them for their war effort. To date, only around 20 examples have surfaced and been recorded in a database (FN Browning Pistols, by Anthony Vanderlinden, p.259).
The finish is in superb condition at 95% or better, with the only bluing loss at the muzzle end of the slide extension. The horn grips have developed a few worm holes, however. The mag is of the correct contract, but not a matching number.
Pics, enjoy, and thanks for looking.
Turkey placed at least four small orders for the FN1922 from the mid-1920's to late 1930's. This pistol came from a production run of around 3,000 units, manufactured at Fabrique Nationale of Belgium in 1939. The contract was shipped shortly after the Nazi invasion of Poland, and was intercepted by Germany before it could reach Turkey. The Germans then issued them for their war effort. To date, only around 20 examples have surfaced and been recorded in a database (FN Browning Pistols, by Anthony Vanderlinden, p.259).
The finish is in superb condition at 95% or better, with the only bluing loss at the muzzle end of the slide extension. The horn grips have developed a few worm holes, however. The mag is of the correct contract, but not a matching number.
Pics, enjoy, and thanks for looking.
