Histandard Model Hd Military Serial Numbers Best ((new)) Site
The stamped on the frame (you can substitute the last two digits with "XX" for privacy) The exact text roll-stamped on the slide or barrel
One of the most storied versions of this pistol is the . The OSS, predecessor to the CIA, purchased 2,600 of these for clandestine operations, often featuring a suppressor (silencer) integrally mounted to the barrel. These are the rarest and most valuable HD military models. Summary of "Best" Serial Numbers for Collectors
Exposed hammer, adjustable sights, "Military" stamped on slide The Commercial Origins (1940–1942)
, was recovered by the Soviet Union from CIA pilot Francis Gary Powers when his U-2 spy plane was shot down in 1960. This serial number was notoriously absent from standard shipping ledgers, indicating it was part of a "sterile" batch made for deep-cover operations. Identifying the Best Condition and Value Factors If you are inspecting an H-D Military for purchase, look for these key value indicators: histandard model hd military serial numbers best
Note: Because High Standard pulled frames from bins out of strict numerical order, some serial numbers overlap across years. For definitive records, reference the definitive text "High Standard Firearms History 1932 to 1984" by John G. Curry. Where to Locate the Serial Number
Information on whether it was a shipment The current market value based on its rarity What is the serial number you're looking at?
| Model | Years Produced | Approx. Quantity | Key Features | |-------|---------------|------------------|--------------| | | 1940–1949 | ~7,000 | Visible hammer, heavy barrel, no thumb safety, no adjustable sights | | Model HD‑USA | 1943–1946 | ~44,000 | Thumb safety, Parkerized or blue finish, “Property of USA” marking, fixed sights | | Model HD Military | 1946–1955 | ~150,000 | Thumb safety, blue finish, adjustable target sights, marked “HI‑STANDARD / MODEL H‑D MILITARY” | The stamped on the frame (you can substitute
High Standard answered the call. The original "Model HD" was a commercial pistol. But the was a specific contract variant produced from 1942 to 1945. Unlike the later "H-D Military" (with a hyphen), the "HD Military" (no hyphen) is the true wartime gem. These pistols were issued to the Navy, Marines, and Army Air Corps as trainers. Over 60,000 units were produced, but finding one with original parts and clear serialization is becoming impossible.
High Standard utilized a continuous, sequential serialization system across multiple models during this era. The Model HD and HD Military production span fell within the serial number blocks.
The High Standard Model HD Military is more than just a plinker; it is a piece of American history. By checking the serial number, verifying the "USA" or "Military" marking, and looking for U.S. Property stamps, you can identify the best, most authentic, and most valuable models, including the storied WW2-era examples. Summary of "Best" Serial Numbers for Collectors Exposed
1946–1951 (with some late assembly extending into 1955). Total Production: Approximately 150,000 units.
To understand the serial numbers, you must understand the shifts in production layout. High Standard did not always track models via standalone serial ranges. Instead, they utilized a block system shared across multiple firearm lines.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dissect the High Standard Model HD Military, explain how to decode its serial numbers, and teach you what makes one example "best" over another.
The data below represents the by High Standard for each corresponding calendar year according to historical manufacturer records: Production Year Highest Serial Number Shipped Historical Context & Milestones 1940 Commercial Model HD Go to product viewer dialog for this item. production begins. 1941 U.S. entries into WWII; early military procurement. 1942 Large-scale U.S. Army & Navy training contracts. 1943 Secretive OSS "USA Model MS" production begins. 1944 High-volume wartime production continues. 1945 WWII ends; transition back to civilian manufacturing. 1946 Commercial Model HD Military officially introduced. 1947 Peak post-war commercial target pistol production. 1948 Heavy consumer demand for the HD Military 1949 High Standard expands product lines. 1950 Production begins to normalize. 1951 Transition era; introduction of newer target frames. 1952 Limited shipments of older inventory blocks. 1953 Re-acceleration of production across all models. 1954 Final full year of standard HD Military production. 1955 Model HD Military discontinued; replaced by newer series.
Before diving into serialization, it is essential to understand why this specific model commands such high interest. The letter in the designation stands for "Hammer," indicating its external hammer design, which distinguished it from High Standard’s earlier striker-fired models like the Model B. The "D" designated the heavy barrel framework.
