Chinese Contract Inglis MK. I* MKI* Hi Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2500
LSB#: 210423DW05
Make: Inglis, Canada
Model: Mk. I* (Hi Power), Chinese Contract
Serial Number: 2C4460. There is typically an “H” after the “C” in the serial number but it was likely lost to refinishing before importation and entered the country with the current serial number.
Year of Manufacture: 1945
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 H.P” and “INGLIS, CANDA” in front of the slide serrations. The right of the barrel, slide and frame are each marked “5CH4460”. 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 front strap is poorly double stamped with the import mark “CAI ST A VT.”.
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 1 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 left panel is also marked “33”. The grips show scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches, most in the smooth borders. The checkering is well defined. 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 a shoulder stock.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its current metal finish. The finish is slightly thinning at some edges. There are some scattered light nicks and scratches, some through and others under the finish. The action shows light operational wear. Most markings are clear, aside from the previously mentioned serial number. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a frame mounted safety and the round hammer has a half cock safety position. This pistol still has a functioning magazine disconnect and the trigger pull is crisp. 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 a total of one 13-round magazine. The magazine is marked “JI” on the belly and the bottom of the baseplate. It shows minor operational wear and rates in about Fine-Plus condition. The stock/holster is marked “MADE IN CANADA” below the body-portion of the hinge plate and “S.A.LTD. / 1945” behind the mounting bracket on the side opposite the hinge. The stock/holster has some scattered light nicks and draglines but no chips or cracks, in about Very Good-Fine condition. Please note, we are not experts at distinguishing between genuine and reproduction accessories for this pistol. We encourage you to inspect the photos to determine their authenticity.
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 cancelled 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-Fine condition as refinished and would make a fine addition to the collection. Please see our photos and good luck!