^Lot 1545 EXTREMELY RARE POST-WAR BELGIAN INGLIS MK.I* HIGH

POWER SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL. Cal. 9mm Luger. S# 1CH5755. Bbl. 4 5/8". 1 of approx. 1,578 Inglis MK.I* High Power pistols supplied to Belgium by Canada under the Defence Appropriation Act of 1950 for the Belgian army. This unusual variation is detailed on page 227 of "Inglis Diamond", by Clive M. Claw. Claw indicates that the Canadian army utilized this opportunity to offload a number of non-standard MK.I* pistols to Belgium, with many appearing to be originally from the Chinese contract. At the arsenal, these pistols received their distinctive Belgian gray Teflon finish, were subsequently withdrawn from military service, and were then issued to the Belgian Gendarmerie. The left side of the slide is marked "MK.I*" above "BROWNING-F.N.9MM HP" and "INGLIS CANADA". Right side of the frame, slide, and bbl. exhibit Canadian proofing, with the frame also exhibiting an added "5" above the S# (meaning unknown). Metal components exhibit a gray Teflon finish overall, save for on the bbl., which is polished in-the-white. Slotted frame is fitted with 2-piece checkered black synthetic grips, and features a lanyard stud and ring on the left. Thumbprint slide features a dovetailed blade front sight, with a tangent V-notch rear sight, graduated 50-500. All serialized parts are matching via the "stacked" fashion, and include the frame, slide, and bbl. MAGS: 1 gray teflon finished 13-rd. mag. with split tail floorplate. Mag. is marked with both "JI" and the S# on the body and floorplate. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: notes from Charles Wagner detailing this variation. CONDITION: extremely fine, with metal components retaining bountiful amounts of their Belgian Teflon finish, exhibiting some superficial handling marks overall. Mirror bore, exhibiting a few spots of what appears to be extremely light surface level pitting, while retaining well defined rifling throughout. Grips show light to mild smoothing, as well as some superficial marks from handling and storage, but otherwise remain sturdy and serviceable. An extremely rare and unusual MK.I* High Power variation, sent from Canada to the High Power's country of origin. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Charles Wagner. (25-434/MLW). CURIO. $1,750-2,250.