Norwegian 1927 1911 serial number question

[Katie2005]

My 11.25 m/m AUT. PISTOL M/1914 has all matching serial numbers XX237 except the barrel and barrel bushing. The bushing has 1879 stamped on it and the barrel has a crown with BNP below. It is also stamped .45" .900" 7 TONS PER (a square symbol) ". Any help in explaining why these numbers differ from the other serial numbers would be appreciated.

[Jim Watson]

Sounds like the barrel and bushing were replaced by the parts out of another gun.

(Crown)BNP .45" .900" 7 TONS PER (square {inch, that is})
is British proof marking. The gun was imported into Great Britain at one time.

[bgiven]

Obviously the barrel bushing is out of another M/1914. The barrel has probably been replaced by a M1911/A1 lend-lease barrel which will fit in a M/1914. If the gun was sold commercially in, or out of Britian, the slide and frame would also be proofed. Sound like just a mis-match of parts in this case.

[Katie2005]

Thanks, I suspected the barrel was British but wasn't sure. Is there any info on a post WW II program in Britan to refurbish Norwegian made .45's and export them to the U.S.?

Any ideas on how these serial number differences might affect the value of the gun? It is in very good condition, barrel is excellent, minimal wear on all parts although it was reblued at some point. I purchased it over 20 years ago and it had a cartridge feeding issue which a gunsmith corrected. It shoots very well and very accurately.

One other thing, it obviously never had a lanyard ring as the butt appears original and shows no signs of being altered.

Any more info you might have would surely be appreciated.

[Balder]

Katie,

Having a five-digit serial# and no lanyard loop, your pistol is most likely of 1945 vintage. (Edit: Now I see it's a 1927) For some reason the pistols made in 1945 and after were not issued with a lanyard loop.

I do not know of any British program involving M/1914s; however, 3600 surplus pistols were sold from the Norwegian Armed Forces to "Pasadena Firearms Company" in 1957. My guess it that yours was among these and had its barrel replaced at some stage. Pictures would be appreciated, here's my 1945 WaA:

Balder

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v408/Balder_/M1914/waleft-1.jpg

[bgiven]

Any ideas on how these serial number differences might affect the value of the gun?

Regardless of condition... it is still a mis-match. There is nothing you can do about it now.

[sourdough1938]

Welcome to the forum Katie! Regardless of the background of the pistol it is still a 1911 so I would love to see the old war horse.
Jim

[Katie2005]

Thanks for all your info. I'd say that Pasadena Firearms is worth looking into. I'll Google them and see if I can contact them for a serial # match in the batch they bought. I'm leaving for the Texas coast for some fishin'. I'll post pics next week when I get back.