Norwegian M1914

[highpower]

I finally found a M1911 variant that I have been trying to acquire for a number of years, a Norwegian M1914. In 1917, the Norwegian government obtained from Colt the license to manufacture 1911 pistols and began producing them at Kongsberg Vapenfabrik, Kongsberg, Norway.

This pistol is dated 1922, serial number 2562 and since they were numbered sequentially starting at serial number 501 it is number 2062 out of 22,311 made before 1940. During the German occupation another 8,223 were produced making the total 30534. A further 2,319 pistols were assembled from existing parts after the war until production was halted at serial number 32854 in 1948.

Overall, I would rate this pistol at about 97+% of it's original blued finish. All numbers match on it including the barrel, barrel bushing, recoil spring plug, guide rod, grip safety, thumb safety, trigger spring housing and magazine release. The grips retain a significant amount of the original black paint.







There is a small area where some sort of stamp has been defaced, but you can still see them if you look closely.

[Spartan301]

Very Cool, OP!

Thanks for sharing. Nice pics!

I like the slide lock lever, good for my short thumbs. LOL!

[Spaffo]

Is that a "SA" stamp that has been scratched -out?

[highpower]

It looks like it. Never heard of these going to Finland though. I am in the early stages of researching this one and I hope I can get some more information soon.

[81turbota]

Very nice. I don’t have my 1942 (23xxx serial) handy but I doubt that’s an SA. Well done!

You’ll be able to find Kongsberg records to find when your pistol was shipped to the military. Let me try to find it for you.

Edit, the records I found don’t go back this far. You should still be able to get a factory letter for it, I’ve heard of it done for a small fee. They were very good at record keeping apparently.

[Syntax Error]

I've always liked the Norwegian extended slide stop. Seems like a very functional improvement over the original design, which I've always had trouble engaging without tilting my grip on the gun.

[Spaffo]

Really nice, seldom seen pistol.

[Bainter1212]

Very nice.

[Mustang]

Great find, hp.

Post a range report when you can.

[mj1]

Well done !

[SVT-40]

Thats an exceptionally nice early pistol!! Interesting "SA" markings..

[morrcarr67]

Originally Posted by highpower

It looks like it. Never heard of these going to Finland though. I am in the early stages of researching this one and I hope I can get some more information soon.

Don't forget to check with beetle. I'm sure he'll be able to share some information with you.

Sent from my Nokia 7.1 using Tapatalk

[highpower]

The partial circle to the right is a "K" in a circle, which is a final proof from the factory. While we all can speculate on where, how and just what it means, the boxed "SA" is likely to remain a mystery. All I know is that when this gun walked up to me, I just had to have it. The peen marks notwithstanding, it is one of the nicest Kongsberg Colts I have ever seen.

A little trivia: In the 109 years the 1911 has been continuously produced, only two countries have manufactured it under license, Norway and Argentina. I am lucky enough to have very nice examples from both countries.

[Sutcliffe]

Bet you paid a premium for that beauty!

[highpower]

Originally Posted by Sutcliffe

Bet you paid a premium for that beauty!

Not as bad as you might think. I traded for a couple of guns that I had about $1400 in. All in all, I am extremely pleased with the trade and the other fellow is very happy too, a win, win in my book.

[mj1]