Below is the key to FN dates of manufacture via the serial numbers.
Per “Browning Dates of Manufacture”, 1988, Brownsboro
TX, Art and Reference House:
Z = 1
Y = 2
X = 3
W= 4
V = 5
T = 6
R = 7
P = 8
N= 9
M= 0
Earlier codes; 1954 to 1964 = 70000 to circa 115823, ’64 to ’69: T136568 to circa T261000, followed be the introduction of the 2-digit year code and “C”. For example, a Hi Power made in 1973 would have a serial number starting “73C…” and so forth.
(Sincere thanks to Hi Power fan, Paul Stempel, for providing this information.