You have found a candidate. Here is the final checklist for "best":
The early HD Military used checkered walnut grips. The "best" and most reliable wartime identifier is the slotted grip (a cut-out on the left panel for the magazine safety). Post-war repos did not have this slot consistently. Never replace original grips—they tell the serial number's true story. histandard model hd military serial numbers best
Unlike modern serialization, High Standard used sequential but non-annualized numbers. Factory records (courtesy of John Stimson’s research and High Standard archives) provide the following best-known production table: You have found a candidate
| Production Year | Starting Serial | Ending Serial | Approx. Quantity | Notable Features | |----------------|----------------|---------------|------------------|------------------| | 1948 (late) | 150,000 | 153,000 | 3,000 | Early "slant" grip; bright blue finish | | 1949 | 153,001 | 167,500 | 14,500 | Parkerized finish begins; "Military" marked | | 1950 (early) | 167,501 | 173,000 | 5,500 | Last variation; 2-piece barrel | Post-war repos did not have this slot consistently
Key rule of thumb: All Model HD Military pistols fall between serial #150,000 and #173,000. Any number outside that range is either a different High Standard model (e.g., Sport King, Supermatic) or a forgery.