Chinese Contract Inglis MK. I* MKI* Hi Power 9mm Semi-Auto Pistol, 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1500
LSB#: 210514MW24
Make: Inglis, Canada
Model: Mk. I* (Hi-Power), Chinese Contract
Serial Number: 5CH4728
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 CANADA” in front of the slide serrations. The right of the barrel, slide and frame are each marked “5CH4728”. 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 stamped with the import mark “POLY USA INC. / ATL GA”.
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 left panel is also marked “44”. 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: Black
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with some light erosion near the muzzle. The rifling is well defined.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 83% of its current metal finish. The finish has thinned completely at all leading edges. There is older oxidation under the refinish. There is significant finish loss on the front and back straps. There are scattered little nicks and scratches. There is thinning on the hammer and trigger. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. However, the magazine is stuck in the pistol. It has a frame mounted safety and the round hammer has a half cock safety position. 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. As mentioned before, the magazine is stuck in the pistol and we cannot determine the 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. There is a small chip at the shoulder end of the stock. There are no cracks. The stock/holster rates in about Good-Plus 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 condition as refinished and would make a fine addition to the collection. Please see our photos and good luck!