Inglis Chinese No. 1 Mk 1* Hi-Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol Shoulder Stock C&R
SOLD FOR: $2700
LSB#: 220420MS004
Make: Inglis, Canada
Model: Mk. I* (Hi Power), Chinese Contract
Serial Number: 3CH148
Year of Manufacture: 1940-1944
Caliber: 9mm Parabellum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “MK. I* / BROWNING FN 9MM HP” and “INGLIS CANADA” in front of the slide serrations. The right of the barrel, slide and frame are each marked “3CH148”. There are also faintly etched crossed flags on the chamber. The right of the frame has crossed flag and “C”-broad arrow proof markings. The butt has inspection marks. The left side of the hammer is marked “II”. The left side of the frame has an import mark under the slide stop that appears to read “TWE / REDMOND WA”. The base plate of the magazines is marked “JI”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, tapered blade dovetailed to a boss at the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “V”-notch type 2 tangent sight in a base integral to the slide. The arm graduates from “50” to “500” meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black synthetic grips. The inside of each grip panel has “CL” inscribed in a “D” or bullet. The grips show scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most in the smooth borders. The checkering shows wear but is defined. The left panel is relieved for the lanyard ring. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition. There is a lanyard loop on the rear left side of the grip. The back strap is slotted for the included shoulder stock.
Also included is a set of checkered wood grips. The grips show light handling wear and sharp checkering rating in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, just some light fouling in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 83% of its current metal finish. The finish has thinned at all leading edges. The grip straps show some scattered light oxidation through the finish. There are scattered little nicks and scratches throughout the surfaces. There is thinning on the hammer and trigger. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a frame mounted safety and the round hammer has a half cock safety position. The disconnect safety is functional. The slide has minor play on the frame. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a wood hinge-top stock/holster with two 13-round magazines and the previously mentioned additional grips. The stock/holster is marked “MADE IN CANADA” below the body-portion of the hinge plate and “57” & broad arrow, both in an oval on the bottom. The belt strap is marked “ZL&T LTD.”
Our Assessment: As stated by Ian McCollum, “During World War Two, the Canadian government set up a loan program to help Chinese companies provide all manner of material aid to Canada’s allies. Among many others, one recipient of this aid was the Nationalist Chinese government under Chiang Kai Shek. Chinese representatives asked the John Inglis company to manufacture no less than 180,000 Browning High Power pistols, and the company agreed. After some wrangling, Inglis acquired a license from FH representatives to make the guns, got a complete technical package through the British government and FN’s representatives in exile, and the direct personal aid of Laloux and Saive from FN. Delivery proved difficult, though, with only about 4000 guns being shipped to Karachi and then needing to be flown over The Hump in cargo planes, along with massive amounts of other aid – and a few pistols didn’t get a lot of priority there. By the fall of 1944, the contract was canceled under concerns that it was not really contributing to any progress in the war against the Japanese, along with insistence from American General Stilwell that the Chinese forces be armed with weapons that could be supplied more easily through the American logistic network.” This example is in Very Good condition and would make a fine addition to the collection. Please see our photos and good luck!