Inglis Chinese No. 1 Mk 1* Hi-Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol Shoulder Stock C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,612.00
WOA#: WY240526BJ038
Make: Inglis, Canada
Model: Mk. I* (Hi Power), Chinese Contract
Serial Number: 4CH964
Year of Manufacture: 1940-1945
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 HP” and “INGLIS CANADA” in front of the slide serrations. The right of the barrel, slide and frame are each marked “4CH964”. 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 body of the magazine 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 grips show scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. The left panel is relieved for the missing lanyard ring. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition. The back strap is slotted for a shoulder stock.
Type of Finish: Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 60% of its metal finish. There is evenly scattered light surface erosion and oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is thinning at most edges. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about 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 one 13-round magazine and a wood stock/holster. The stock/holster is marked “MADE IN CANADA” below the body-portion of the hinge plate. There is a faded cartouche, “A LTD / 1945” is visible near the mounting bracket.
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 Good condition and would make a nice addition to the collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
