Ah, I remember the Browning Hi-Power. You could get the beautiful engraved version for the outrageously high price of $155!!!!
Back in 1960 I bought my first gun from a newspaper ad. It was an Argentinian Luger for $40. It even had a grip safety. All matching parts except for two.
Oh America, how I miss you.
I don’t remember what the Renaissance model of the Brownings went for. I do recall you could get a set of 3 in any of 3 grades. The 3 were the Hi-Power, .25 auto, and .380 auto.
I had the local hardware store in Defuniak Springs order mine. The price was $104.50. I had ordered it in 1968 but thought the 68 Gun Control Act might affect my being able to purchase it.
Knowing that I wasn’t sure it would be delivered, Mr. King phoned my and told me the gun was in but I could take my time and he would hold it for me. I went ahead and drew the money out of my savings and picked it up. They came with a Browning rug back then and the polish and bluing were about as good as it gets.