Been meaning to post this since my return from the Ardennes.

Easily the friendliest 'Bulge' muesum is the little one at Poteau run by a Dutch couple. The museum is housed just 150 metres from where the famous KG Hansen Ambush photos were taken during the battle and reproduced many times since. One of the best known of these is the Waffen-SS MG42 gunner ( tentatively identified as Walter Armbrust ) who is holding a Browning HP35 pistol - often misidentified as a Colt 45.

Anyhow, on the day before my visit the Museum owner was working over the Museum grounds with a metal detector, finding an MP40 magazine, a box with 250 rounds of .30 calibre ammo and - a Browning HP35.

After cleaning, he allowed me to handle the weapon, which was in a remarkably well-preserved state. The FN markings are still visible, no leaf sight but just a simple rear notch sight identify it most likely as made under German occupation. The slide is in the 'open' position as the last round has been fired and ejected.

Is it 'that' Browning ? Who knows ! But it was found so close to the scene of the photo that it will always be 'the one' to the museum owner ! It was, in any case, a really great find and will be on special display at the museum.

If you're in the Ardennes, be sure to visit - and ask to see the Browning !

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"Stand by to pull me out of the seat if I get hit" - Guy Gibson