SOLD - Rare FN Model 1949 - Colombian Contract (SW080224-0803(Ohio))

Description

8/2/24 - This is a super rare FN Model 1949 rifle, one of 1,000 produced as part of a very small contract order by Colombia. The black parkerized finish shows only minor handling marks and wear. Strong bore with only minor hints of frost in the grooves. Rates a good 9 of 10. Very nice stock with minor dings and spots, but no cracks. No import marks. All markings, including the Colombian crest, are sharp and clear on the receiver. Matching numbers except for the magazine bottom. Includes a canvas sling and leather butt stock cover. Smooth action and fully functional. Located in our Ohio office. The FN49 was designed by the Belgian manufacturer Fabrique Nationale before WWII; however, plans to produce the semi-automatic rifle were abandoned when the Germans occupied Belgium. Many FN engineers fled to England during the war and returned to Belgium when it was liberated by the allies in 1944. With their return to Belgium these engineers revitalized their plans for what would eventually become the FN49 (also known as the SAFN short for “semi-automatic FN”).  While the FN49 was high quality in its time, it saw limited production and use because it did not come into production until after WWII and it eventually had to compete with the popular HK G3 and FN FAL rifles which utilized more modern technology. The FN49 was produced for 8 primary contracts. This particular rifle was produced for the seventh contract which brought 1,000 FN49 rifles to Colombia.