Wartime HD Military pistols were (a dull grey-green phosphate). The best ones have 95%+ original parkerizing with no rust, pitting, or holster wear. If the gun is blued, it is either a commercial model or a post-war refinish. A blue finish on a military serial number kills value.
Features a 7.75-inch integral suppressor that reduced the report to roughly 77–114 decibels—described as sounding like a "muffled cough".
Total production exceeded 200,000 units across three primary variants: Model H-D (Standard) : Approximately 6,900 pistols were produced between 1940 and 1942 . These are marked simply "High Standard H-D." Model USA-HD : About 44,000 pistols were manufactured from 1943 to 1946
The Ultimate Guide to High Standard Model H-D Military Serial Numbers and Collectibility
Exposed hammer, adjustable rear sights for windage and elevation, and a last-round hold-open feature. Serial Number Ranges & Identification
| Serial Number Range | Model & Production Years | Key Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | U.S. Property "USA H-D" (WWII Military Contract), 1943–1945 | Fixed sights, 4.5" barrel. Nearly 32,000 purchased by the War Department. Finish and exact marking variations possible. | | ~153890 – ~306k+ | Commercial "H-D Military" (Post-War Model), ~1946–1950 | Adjustable target sights, walnut grips. Often seen with longer 6.75" barrel. This was a commercial product for civilian shooters and competition. |
In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the history of the Hi-Standard Model HD Military, decode its serial number prefixes and ranges, and provide expert advice on identifying the most desirable (the "best") models for your collection or safe.
Why? This falls squarely in the first military contract. Look for a gun with:
Using online "serial number lookup" tools often yields confusion. Here’s why:
While the HD Military is common and often used as a high-quality "plinker," its value varies based on condition and history.
For a quick and accurate way to date your Model H-D Military, use the table below. This chart compiles known data from authoritative sources, including the Blue Book of Gun Values and dedicated High Standard researchers, to help you pinpoint the year your firearm was likely manufactured.
The absolute holy grail for High Standard collectors is the variant. Between October 1943 and March 1944, the OSS ordered 2,600 integrally suppressed H-D pistols developed alongside Bell Laboratories. These dropped the acoustic profile of a .22 LR down to a staggering 20 decibels—roughly the sound of a soft cough.
Note: Due to overlapping components and parts shipping variables at the Hamden, Connecticut facility, physical shipping dates can occasionally deviate slightly from chronological assembly dates. High Standard - Follow Up Info
The most important step is to correctly identify your pistol, as its military connection greatly impacts its value and desirability. Two very similar-looking models are often confused.
Approximately 2,600 Model HD units (serial range 114,000–117,000) were produced with integral suppressors for clandestine operations by the OSS.
128,117 – 132,000 (Heavy military acquisition begins)