Info on a very old HP and an Inglis, please

[IMtheNRA]

Hello, I saw two interesting HPs at a show today. I would appreciate any info such as the meaning of some of these markings, production years, scarcity, collectibility, and how to value these guns as I'm considering adding them to my humble collection of HPs.

The first one was an Inglis, rough black finish (possibly poor re-finish). Marked: MK1, AF, then what looks like a backwards "G" followed by FTR63 on both the slide and frame, SN: 2T65xx, and some very odd-looking proof marks, possbily Chinese, but I can't be sure. The gun did not have the Chinese character roll marks that I've seen in the past, so that is why I don't think it is a Chinese variant. No magazine, asking price is $495. The slide to frame fit seemed loose and the action felt rough, though it could have been just lack of lubrication.

The second HP was a Belgian one, the owner claimed it was made in 1937-1939 (but how can I be sure?). It had a decent finish, tangent sight graduated to 500 meters with room for more graduation marks, such as to 1000 m., a slot for a shoulder stock, SN: 352xx. It came with an original magazine, though I forgot to check for a serial number on the mag - should it be numbered to match the gun? Asking price is $900.

Any thoughts, info, input of any kind would be appreciated!

 

[Jagermeister]

Inglis:
In 1942, The John Inglis Company of Canada was asked to sujpply the Model 1935, (HP) pistols to China. The project started slowly, as metric demensions had to be converted , but production 151, 816 guns were made from February 1944 to September 1945. Some were supplied to British, Canadian and Greek forces in addition to the Chinese.

From what you describe, the 2nd sounds like a genuine HP, I have attached a photo of the HP with a folding stock attached. Although the photo describes it as a prototype, the MK I is mentioned as to having the stock attachments.

For value, I cannot comment without seeing the gun. I would have it appraised by a reputable dealer.

JM

 

[Strayhorn]

Jagermeister's info is correct, I have a few tidbits to add about the first pistol (can't help you with the second):

The FTR is the stamp used to indicate factory reconditioning, pretty common for wartime firearms from Britain/Canada - the '63 may indicate a date or a factory, don't know for sure.

As for the odd markings, they could be Chinese - if I can remember, I'll scan the Chinese markings on my Mk1* HP and post them. However, the rough black finish gives me pause, as most HPs either made for the Chinese or given to them after the war to combat the Communists were a medium green in color. Most of the British-pattern firearms I've seen in black were painted in India or Pakistan with a very crude paint before being shipped to America for resale.

The stock attachment is a very nice collectable, I found one at a militaria show a few years back. Note that these are being reproduced so if you are offered a "genuine" WWII attachment, I'd ask for proof.