The FN Model 1910 was the handgun used by Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo on June 28th, 1914.
The FN Model 1910 was initially designed for the Kingdom of Serbia. In 1913, a purchase order for 235 Model 1910 semi automatic pistols was made by the Serbian National Army. The purchase was made for the 1st and 2nd Timok infantry divisions of the first army.
1910/1922 pistols went on to see extensive service in World War Two, and continued to be manufactured by the Germans after their occupation of Belgium and seizure of the FN factory. These examples carry Nazi production stamps, and most have simple chequered wood grips instead of the earlier horn or plastic grips bearing the FN logo.
While appearing as early as 1910, the Model 1910 was not introduced to market until 1912, resulting in the gun sometimes being referenced as the "Model 1912". One major improvement of the new design over the previous Model 1900 was in the mounting of the recoil spring set around the barrel assembly, this helping to streamline the overall appearance of the gun and making for a lighter and more compact design to handle. The Model 1910 took on a conventional look, with the magazine well doubling as the angled pistol grip. The solid trigger unit was set within an oblong trigger ring while a safety lever was mounted within easy reach, its placement just aft of the grip near the thumb. If chambered for the .380 ACP, the magazine could accept up to 6-rounds in the spring-loaded magazine. If chambered for the .32 ACP, the magazine could accept up to 7-rounds of ammunition. The magazine was inserted into the base of the pistol grip and spent shell casings were ejected from a right-mounted ejection port just above the trigger unit. The Model 1910s system of operation was "blowback" as a semi-automatic, self-loading design. Along the upper portion of the grip was the identifiable "FN" company logo (or "Browning" depending on marketed model). Sighting was accomplished by way of notch and post iron sights. Overall length of the Model 1910 was 153mm with an unloaded weight of 590g.
The assassins themselves were almost all captured within weeks. Their trial took place in October 1914, three months into World War I. Despite many of the defendants testifying that they acted independently of Serbia, the court ruled that the Serbian government was complicit.
Most of the defendants were found guilt. Three hanged. Čabrinović and Princip could only be sentenced to 20 year in prison, the maximum prison term for defendants under the age of 20 at the time of their crime. However, both men would later die of tuberculosis while in prison.
Once Princip had been apprehended, his pistol was, for unknown reasons, given to the Jesuit priest who administered the last rites to Ferdinand and his wife. The Jesuits eventually turned over the gun to the Vienna Museum of Military History.
25 сен 2024
