>In terms of modern production, that's undoubtedly true. In the sort
>of classical era of semiautos (ca. 1900-1940), China still holds the
>record in my book. That whole "competing
>warlords/Nationalists/Communists/old-school British China Hands/the
>Japanese and their hangers-on/the Russians, sometimes/mercenaries and
>like what" period led to some really interesting, creative, and
>often face-slappingly dumb stuff.

Well, yeah, point. But, as noted, "most people" today have no appreciation of, or even knowledge of, history.

>(That said, I totally want one of those
>Martini-Henry pistols, just for a desk
>ornament. I'd never be daft enough to try and shoot the thing. :)

Put it in a display case on the wall, along with other wonderfully daft creations. Definitely.

...!
Stoke Mandeville, Esq & The Victorian Ballsmiths
"Nobody Want Verdigris-Covered Balls!"