Ole Tom Nord Collection Colt Government Model Serial Number C208979 - Norwegian collector's item, the "Shanghai Colt Government Model". In
late 1941 the Norwegian government ordered 100 Colt Government models from
the Colt factory. The guns was shipped to the "Royal Norwegian Naval
Service," Halifax, Nova Scotia January 16, 1942. May 7, 1942 another 100
pistols was shipped in two separate shipments, 94 pistols shipped to
Halifax, with the remaining six guns shipped to Government representatives
in Washington. The guns were to be used on Norwegian whaling boats, equipped
to be convoy escorts. At first, these 200 pistols were ordered from Colt by
French authorities and intended for Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP) use.
After the Japanese invaded Shanghai, this order was
cancelled and the guns were shipped to Norwegian representatives.
The left side of the slide was factory roll marked "Concession
Francaise Shanghai". Before being shipped to the Norwegians, these
markings were "overstamped" with a "S PAT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD
CT. USA" upside down roll die.
Magazines issued with these guns differed from "stock" examples as the
issued magazines had "in-line" holes at the back and left side in stead of
the standard "zig-zag" pattern. (Information Source: Mr. Hanevik and his
Norwegian colt book) This particular gun has three matching magazines and
accompanying the gun is the holster and magazine pouch issued with the gun,
and marked "KGL NORSKE MARINE" (ROYAL NORWEGIAN NAVY).
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