The Chinese Brooms ran the gammet from excellent to lousy and everything in between. I've seen all-matching Broomhandles from China that were in outstanding original condition. The vast majority though were mis-matched and in poor condition.
About 9 years ago I made a trip to Atlanta and visited the Keng Firearms importers. I was permitted to make a selection from a dozen or so Brooms. My budget being what it was, I selected an all-matching C-96 of about 1910 vintage that had an arsenal relined bore/chamber and what appears to be a very old arsenal reblue. All markings are very sharp and the reblue is professional quality. The smoothness of the action is marvelous to feel. It has a Chinese shoulder stock/holster of excellent quality. I also bought a 1st contract Chinese Inglis Hi-Power. The serial number begins with "CH" and no pre-fix number. The lettering on the slide is relatively crude and uneven when compared to later Inglis production.
|