Inglis Chinese No.1 Mk.1* Hi-Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, Wood Holster
SOLD FOR: $1,730.00
LSB#: LSB260416SS004
Make: Inglis, Canada. Contracted By China
Model: Hi Power Mk. 1*
Serial#: 2CH4481
Year of Manufacture: Circa, 1944 – 1945 / C&R
Caliber: 9mm Luger
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol, Exposed Hammer, Single Action, Fed with Detachable Magazine with Magazine Disconnect
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked, “MK.I* / BROWNING FN 9MM / INGLIS CANADA”. The right side of the slide is marked with the serial number. The frame is marked with the serial, “2CH4481” after a Ross Rifle Co. proof mark. The front strap of the grip frame has an import mark. All serialized parts are matched. The hammer is marked, “II”. There are several small Canadian proofs throughout. The holster is marked, “S.A. LTD. 1945” on the left side”. There are several small station marks and proofs throughout.
Barrel Length: 4.75”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a serrated triangular post dovetailed to the slide. The rear sight is a V-notch tangent leaf sight pinned to the slide marked out to 500.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two piece checkered plastic panels. There are scratches, nicks, and scuffs throughout. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering has lightly worn peaks in spots. There is a stock dovetail in the back of the grip frame. Overall, the grips are in Fair to Good condition. The shoulder stock is in Very Good condition with only light handling wear.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 13rd 9mm Magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is light erosion in the bore along with stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 80% of its metal finish. The leading edges have heavy wear and thinning. There are light spots of thinning and patina throughout. There are scratches and nicks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled, the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this Hi-Power pistol is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of one Magazine, canadian wood holster.
Our Assessment: The Chinese-contract Inglis No.1 Mk.1* Hi-Power is among the most desirable variants of the Browning Hi-Power family and represents an important chapter in Allied small-arms production during the Second World War. Manufactured by John Inglis & Company in Canada for Nationalist Chinese forces, these pistols incorporated the distinctive tangent rear sight and associated military features specified by the Chinese contract. Based upon the renowned Browning Hi-Power design, the pistol combined excellent reliability, high magazine capacity, and outstanding handling characteristics, establishing itself as one of the most influential military handguns of the 20th century. This example remains particularly attractive due to its matching serialized components and original wartime features. The pistol retains approximately 80% of its original parkerized finish with edge wear, scattered handling marks, and light patina visible throughout. The original grip panels remain intact with moderate wear but no significant structural damage. The bore remains serviceable with pronounced rifling despite light erosion and fouling, supporting its 6.5 out of 10 rating. The pistol is further accompanied by a desirable Canadian wood holster dated 1945, adding significantly to its historical appeal and collectibility.
Altogether, this Chinese-contract Inglis Hi-Power represents an important and highly sought-after World War II military sidearm. The matching numbers, tangent rear sight, wartime Canadian manufacture, and included period holster make it especially appealing to collectors of Allied military firearms and Browning Hi-Power variants. As one of the most recognizable and historically significant military pistols of the Second World War, the Inglis Hi-Power remains a cornerstone piece in many advanced military handgun collections. -R.E.