Browning High Powere sans serial number ???

[Brad]

I came across a Browning HighPower in a shop today. I have always liked them and looked it over.
The clerk made me what seemed to be a good price?
BUT, there is no serial number to be seen. And I looked purty close.
I am getting a little goofy as I age, but we both looked hard.
There is a groove in the back strap for a stock, and walnut grops.
I planned on researching in the bluebook when I got home but now realize that there are very many varients and prices / values all over the spectrum.
Still, if I had a serial number??
Anyway, I will be back in that area in a couple days.
Can anyone tell me if the s/n is hidden somewhere??
Thanks

[lion]

I just saw on another site to look under the grips. The serial # may be there.

[leftyo]

id almost guarantee the ser# is not hidden.

[MMA10mm]

Look again. I'd be surprised if an FFL took in a gun without a serial number. How'd he record it in his books? There was no requirement for serials before the 20s or 30s, but most companies put them on. My WWII German-occupation P640 High Power has it on the left side of frame and slide. My 1980s Belgian High Power has it vertically on the frontstrap. Sounds like yours is a Canadian Inglis or maybe a Belgian pre-war/early-war gun. Might look up where they were stamped. If it genuinely has no serial, there's a good chance it's stolen and was ground off...

[lion]

id almost guarantee the ser# is not hidden.

The one they found it under the grip had a pachymar wrap arouind grip on it. With regular grips it wouldn't have been hidden.

[Brad]

thanks all, I am going to try and find it.
I dont think the gun is very old as the condition is very good and the finish seems original.
The walnut grips are also very good.
Thanks again

[Sunray]

S/N on an Inglis BHP is on the chamber of the barrel(should be visible in the ejection port, the slide and the frame. No such thing as an Inglis without a S/N. CF logistics types would have excrement fits.
You sure it's actually a Browning and not some clone?
"...the bluebook..." Will only give you averages from all over the U.S. with no regard for local supply and demand. The assorted auction sites while a bit, um, over priced and usually not local either will be better.

[BudT]

On my FN HP it is on the slide and on the barrel it is also in the lower forward part of the frame grip.