Inglis Canada Hi-Power 9x19mm Semi-Automatic Pistol C&R Chinese Contract
SOLD FOR: $1,300
WOA#: WY231118RM003
Make: Inglis, Canada
Model: Hi-Power, Chinese Contract
Serial Number: CH3817
Year of Manufacture: 1944-1945
Caliber: 9x19mm (9mm Luger)
Action Type: Single action semi-auto with detachable magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING-F.N. 9MM HP” and “INGLIS CANADA”. The right side of the slide is marked “CH3817”. The left rear side of the frame has an import mark. The right side of the frame is marked with a Canadian broadhead inside of a “C” mark, a crossed flags mark, and “CH3817”. The left side of the chamber is marked “21386”. The right side of the chamber is marked with Belgian proof marks and “CAL. 9 M/M P”. The front side of the magazine is marked “JI”.
Barrel Length: 4 5/8”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, tapered blade dovetailed to a base 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 ladder graduates from 50 to 500 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a two-piece checkered black synthetic.The grips show scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly around the edges. The checkering shows wear but is defined. The left panel is relieved for the missing lanyard ring. There are no chips or cracks. The back strap is slotted for a shoulder stock. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 13 round magazine in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is defined. There is moderate to heavy erosion in the bore.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. There are scuffs and scratches throughout the metal surfaces. The finish on the slide is worn, especially on the right side, forward of the ejection port. There are areas of oxidation on both sides of the slide. The slide and barrel show signs of operational wear. There are small areas of heavy pitting on the sides of the rear sight ladder and lighter pitting on the top section. The front side of the left half of the rear sight blade is eroded. There are areas of light surface rust on the bottom of the barrel. The screw heads show light use. The markings are mostly well defined, with those on the frame being slightly faded. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: Near the end of 1943 , representatives from the Nationalist China government traveled to Canada to request the production of nearly 200,000 Browning Hi-Power pistols. This request was made to the John Inglis and Company manufacturing firm, who had previously made home appliances but pivoted to making weapons for the Canadian military. Inglis was able to secure a license from FN along with a technical data package as well as two FN engineers who were in-exile in Britain (one of which was Dieudonné Saive, one of the inventors of the Hi-Power). Of the original order, only 4000 or so of the pistols made the trek to China, with the rest going into the Canadian inventory after the contract was canceled. This example, while being within the first 4000 serial numbers, does not show any signs of having actually made it to China. The large Chinese character ownership mark that is typically on the left side of the slide, is not present. It also has a Canadian acceptance mark on the frame. Interestingly, this pistol has a non-matching barrel with Belgian proof marks on the chamber. The grips are in good condition, with the expected usage wear along the edges and on the checkering. It is missing its lanyard loop though, with an empty hole in the bottom right corner of the left grip in its place. The metal retains most of its finish, though the slide has a fair bit of wear, especially on the right side. The bore could use a deep clean as there is quite a bit of erosion and fouling present. But, there is more than enough rifling left. Despite not having a matching barrel, this is still an interesting pistol from an odd episode during the Second World War. This would fit into any Chinese, Canadian, or Second World War collection. Please see our photos.
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