Kongsberg Arsenal Norwegian Krag Jorgensen Model 1912/22 Carbine, Original Blue 24” Rare Parts Matching Bolt Action Rifle MFD 1922 C&R
Sold For: $1,755.00
LSB#: 161213PF02
Make: Kongsberg Arsenal, Norway
Model: Model 1912/22. A Model 1912 Updated in 1922.
Serial Number: 22049
Year of Manufacture: 1922
Caliber: 6.5x55mm
Action Type: Bolt Action, Side-Clip Gate Magazine Fed Rifle
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The top of the receiver is marked with the Kongsberg Arsenal mark “crown / K” and “1922”. The left side of the receiver is marked with a faded stamping. The front right of the receiver is marked with a small “crown / S”. The left side of the receiver, the wood below it and the buttplate are each marked with the serial number “22049”. The left side of the stock is marked with a faded “crowned letter” above the serial number. The underside of the sight ladder is marked with the last three digits of the serial number “049” in 2 spots. The left side of the barrel band and trigger guard are each marked with the last three digits of the serial number “.049”. The bolt handle & bolt assembly are marked “.049” in three separate spots. The magazine cutoff is marked “AA” and “S”. The top of the rear sight base is marked “T” and “D”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 24 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a dovetail set inverted “V” post marked “+8” on the front. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding escalator assembly. It is marked from “1 – 21” in increments of two and “2200” at the top. The top and rear are also marked “T”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The full length walnut stock has a semi pistol grip, finger grooves, scallop for the magazine cutoff, cutout for the bolt handle, metal nosecap with sling point & bayonet lug, hole for the included cleaning rod, sling eyelet under the butt, screw above the eyelet, barrel band with sling loop and a metal buttplate. The buttplate show scratches, thinning and discoloration from oxidation. The top of the handguard shows a thin crack ahead of the rear sight. The hand guard shows a large scratch on the top right and deep scrapes ahead of the nosecap`. The right rear of the handguard and the wood below it show several small scrapes & compression marks. The stock appears to be in its original state, it is serialized to the rifle and presents deep inspection marks. The LOP measures 13 3/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: We passed this rifle around the shop to 3 employees and two customers, all agreeing that the finish is original. All serialized parts are matching to the serial number, there are no indications of re-stamping.
Bore Condition: The lands are semi bright, grooves are mid gray and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore and at the muzzle as far back as we can see in either direction. We did not take the bolt out by chance of scraping the receiver, which does not have marks associated with disassembly.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 93% of its metal finish. Imperfections on the metal surface in the forms of tooling marks and bruises are seen under the finish. These marks do not appear from refinishing, but from the factory. There are areas taller than the surrounding metal with marks that would have otherwise been taken away if it had been redone; this being a military rifle, they were not going for commercial sales, all said, the metal to metal fit is superb, all lines are retained, fine checkering is seen on the bolt head. All of the markings are solid and clearly defined. Smaller inspection marks on the barrel and stock have sharp influence on the grain. The front of the barrel, front sight and nosecap show scrapes and thinning. Areas of solid oxidation are found on the forend pieces, the sling swivels show rubbing from a previous sling; even these smaller marks have crisply defined serial numbers and inspector marks. The bolt handle has thinning, the body has normal wear from cycling, the piece looks to have been well maintained. The bolt and magazine cutoff lever shows thinning consistent with normal use. The screw heads show light use, all are highly serviceable. The markings are deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork& Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a rare Norwegian Krag-Jorgensen Model 1912/22 Carbine that was made at the Kongsberg Arsenal back in 1922. The Model 1912 Carbine was approved by Norway in 1912 to be an all purpose carbine that would replace all previous types. In 1922 upgrades to the design were implemented. These updated Krags are designated Model 1912/22 Carbines. This one is in nice shape for a 95 year old service rifle. It has matching numbers and its original blue finish, the markings are deep and crisp. At first believed ‘too good to be true’, the outcome was a resounding ‘original’ for the finish. There is Norway in hell it was ever redone! The Kongsberg Arsenal “crowned K” stamped on the top of the receiver is free of blemishes; sub inspector marks on the wood and metal are crisp, baffling for its age and limited surviving units after the 2nd World War. The Nazi’s destroyed many of the Norwegian Krags during their occupation of Norway, not many are around, especially ones that have survived in all of its original parts in this condition. This will add nicely to any U.S. Military arms collection.
For more on Norwegian Krag rifles see pages 137 to 147 of Lt Col. William S. Brophy’s book, The Krag Rifle. Good luck.
