It’s been an exciting couple of weeks. It all began when decided to make a wider search for interesting P220’s. I get this urge about every six months. Actually I was bored and thought I would kill some time with a differently worded search for early examples. The search turned up a ton of 45s and none on the early side, until I spotted one that was a little different. The close up showed a slide with the magic serial beginning in G 100. As in 100 889.
I tried to figure out what I was looking at. The slide was a “pinch nose”. Had someone butchered it by forcing a 45 barrel into the old slide? I certainly had never head of this old a 45.
It was Casino time. I decided to gamble and negotiated a reasonable price. Now it was time to wait out the payment and the shipment time. The wait was painful.
Delivery day arrived and I flew to the dealer and as soon as it cleared the holster my eyes were on the grip. Ohh, it matches the slide. I interrupted the conversation as I rushed to break it apart. Out loud I shouted “oh my God!” Five people stopped what they were doing. Normally very reserved, I had shocked myself.
The barrel had a matching serial! I had no idea such a bird even existed. All proof dated 1976 “HG” and the condition was better than the photo. I filled a hole in my collection that I didn’t know existed. There are several more questions to discuss, but first some pictures.

See latest field notes on page 2, Plus More pics

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Udo,

Nice acquisition.
That's got to be one of the earliest 45ACP versions out there.

Lovely super-early example

Super interesting; that’s great

The magazine caliber markings are larger than the later P220–1 versions in 45ACP

Here’s a bonus mystery in lowest right corner of the chin. My wife has an idea but more later.

Has anyone seen a holster like this. Not a single mark on it. Seems police like but I’ve most Germans are proud of their work and mark it.

[IMG]https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ee427/buble77/IMG_5568(1).HEIC[/IMG]

[IMG]https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/ee427/buble77/IMG_5569(1).HEIC[/IMG]

Until today, I was unaware a .45 auto pinch nose existed. Awesome.

I could be mistaken, but the holster might be an old Triple K.

Thanks for the lead. There is not a single import mark anywhere on the pistol.

hjs157 until it arrived I felt sure it was going to be a bust. My mind was blown

Dang! Nice is an understatement

quote:

Originally posted by Udo:
hjs157 until it arrived I felt sure it was going to be a bust. My mind was blown

Having personally examined dozens upon dozens of early P220's, I must admit I am more than intrigued. Until your pistol surfaced, the earliest .45 auto model I was aware of was a square nosed HH proofed Hawes import. I look forward to learning more. Thank you very much for posting.

I know very little (as in one step above nothing) about these, but that is cool. Glad you found something that fills a gap in the hoard.

What a great looking, early P220.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing.

WOW!!! What a cool find

I have a 1977 (HH) in .45 and thought IT was a Unicorn.





BUT… it’s actually a Browning by SIG.

The 220 versions imported by Hawes and the Browning BDA had the pinched slide.

The Swiss P75 used the same slide

quote:

Originally posted by 9mmepiphany:
The 220 versions imported by Hawes and the Browning BDA had the pinched slide.

Not saying they don’t exist, but I have yet to see a BDA or Hawes in 45APC with a pinched nose

quote:

The Swiss P75 used the same slide

All P75s are 9mm and all early ones had pinch nose slides. No 45 P75s

quote:

Originally posted by Udo:

quote:

Originally posted by 9mmepiphany:
The 220 versions imported by Hawes and the Browning BDA had the pinched slide.

Not saying they don’t exist, but I have yet to see a BDA or Hawes in 45APC with a pinched nose

Nor have I.