Manufacturer: Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk, Norway
Model: Krag–Jørgensen M/1894
Year of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: 6.5×55mm
Country of Origin: Norway
1. Historical Background & Collectibility
The Krag–Jørgensen is one of the most recognized military bolt-action rifle designs of the late 19th century. Developed by two Norwegian firearms designers, it was officially adopted by Denmark, the United States, and Norway.
The Norwegian M/1894 represents the original design adopted by its country of origin. Manufactured at the historic Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk arsenal, it is renowned for its excellent craftsmanship, distinctive side-loading magazine, and refined mechanical design.
The Norwegian M/1894 is chambered in 6.5×55mm, a cartridge that remains in commercial production today, with newly manufactured ammunition readily available in North America.
2. Matching Numbers & Originality
This rifle has been carefully inspected and retains highly consistent matching numbers across its major metal components.
Confirmed Matching Components:
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Receiver and barrel: Matching
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Bolt body: Matching
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Internal bolt components: Matching
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Rear sight base: Matching
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Rear sight ladder: Matching
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Rear barrel band: Matching
Upper Handguard: The interior retains an original serial number marking. Due to age-related wear, the first two digits are no longer legible, but the final digit is clearly identifiable as 3. Full matching status cannot be conclusively established.
Known Non-Matching Components: Frontmost barrel band and buttplate.
3. Overall Condition
This rifle retains its complete original military configuration.
The wooden stock is clean, structurally solid, and free of visible cracks, showing natural wear consistent with its age.
The metal components are in very good condition, including the receiver, barrel, and bolt assembly. Original arsenal markings and serial number stamps remain clearly visible. The rear sight assembly is complete, and the major metal components retain matching numbers.
Excellent Bore — Deep, sharp, continuous rifling with a bright bore.
4. Rarity & Historical Significance
Production of the Norwegian Krag–Jørgensen M/1894 was relatively limited compared with many mass-produced military rifles. Following more than a century of military service, maintenance, and civilian ownership, surviving examples vary considerably in originality and condition.
After World War II, many surplus military rifles entered the North American civilian market, where numerous examples were converted into sporting or hunting rifles. These modifications often involved altering or removing original military stocks, handguards, and other components.
As a result, an unsporterized Norwegian M/1894 retaining extensive matching numbers and excellent overall condition represents a particularly uncommon and desirable configuration for collectors in Canada.
Manufactured in 1901, this rifle retains its complete military configuration, extensive matching numbers across major components, a structurally sound wooden stock, very good metal condition, and an excellent bore.
It represents a well-preserved example of an early Norwegian military rifle with significant historical integrity.
