This is a fabulous, extremely rare example of one of the earliest F.N. Browning patent Model 1899/1900 test pistols. This wonderful example is all original and has the characteristics and proof marks from both the Model 1899 and early 1900 test pistols. This rare pistol has the early style flat "non-reinforced" frame characteristics of the 1899 models with the later slide and proof marks of the model 1900 pistol. These pistols have the slightly longer grip frame and not the short version of the compact models. The left side of the frame has the early and very desirable "spotfaced" Safe and Fire markings of "FUE and SUR" as requested by the Belgium Army in their early trials/test pistols. The only number found on the pistol is number "4" which is stamped on the underside of both grip panels. It does have the one-line factory markings on the left side of the barrel of: "FABRIQUE NATIONALE HERSTAL LIEGE (BROWNING PATENT) . It also carries the later FN factory proofs of a: "Star/W" proofs over the Belgian/FN Perron mechanism proofmark on the frame, the area directly in front of the slide serrations and the left side of the rear sight. Also interesting is that the left side of the barrel has the early "Crown/R" black powder barrel proof (as used before 1903) over the same "Star/W", Belgium Perron proof and then the FN Factory "Epreuve de Liege" (Crown/E/L/G) final acceptance proof. It is complete with its original early Browning six-hole magazine (the second variation with the larger holes). This wonderful pistol has the all rust blued FN finish with the checkered walnut grips. As noted this could actually be a very early military test pistol or may even be the very first commercially made large Model 1899 commercial pistol. This pistol is pictured on pages 213 & 292 of the 1943 book Textbook of Automatic Pistols by Wilson.

Extremely fine with 95% plus of the original blue finish overall with minor light bluing wear/thinning on the muzzle area with some light scratches on the front grip strap. The left side of the frame has 3-4 small erosion spots in front and above the trigger guard. The grips are in fine condition with nice visible very fine line checking on both sides with some minor handling marks and light pressure dents. An exceptionally nice all original earliest known F.N. Browning Test pistol. This is a chance of a lifetime!