Value appraisal for Chinese contract Inglis HP

[MarMacVegas]

I’ve been trying to do an assessment of my collection for insurance purposes. One handgun I am having difficulty obtaining value information on is a Chinese contract Inglis Hi Power. This was one of the first production (Feb-May 1944) bearing the Chinese markings and low serial number.
I attempted to locate information in the Standard Catalog of Firearms but couldn’t locate the Inglis Hi Power at all. As this specific piece is relatively rare, searching sales history online hasn’t resulted in any success.

Interesting history on these handguns in this article:
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/obscure-object-desire-chinese-contract-inglis-hi-power/amp

Any advice or information would be super!
https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/obscure-object-desire-chinese-contract-inglis-hi-power/amp/

 

[Kp321]

Although the serial numbers match, the pistol has some issues. It has been refinished and the finish on the frame and slide don’t match. The grips are not original. I cannot read what is on the barrel above the s/n. That might give us a clue about the history of the pistol. If the refinish was an arsenal job, the value is not impacted as much as a gunsmith refinish would. As it is, I would say the value is in the $1500 to $1800 range. That’s what mine brought a couple of years ago, with very worn original finish.

 

[MarMacVegas]

@Kp321
Thank you for your reply! The marks you are asking about are British proof marks. I can try to get a close up when I get a chance to go through the safe.
This pistol was purchased at a British arms auction in 1986 and was advertised as a service pistol. It was then imported into Canada at that time. It was imported into the US about 10 years lates.
I have seen so many photos of this model with various finishes that I wouldn’t be able to identify the original.

 

[Kp321]

The pistol was arsenal refinished which is a plus. I have not seen such a pistol sell so can’t help on value. The grips were probably replaced at the arsenal also, they are not original Inglis.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Try contacting Ian of Youtube's "Forgotten Weapons" channel. He has a book out on the pistols of China's warlord period.

 

[hso]

If your magazine is an original you could might reasonably set an insurance value of $1500-$2000 because of the markings and low serial number just based on completed Gunbroker auctions.