M1914 Question.

[Island Ranger]

I was at a gun show today and located a M1914 that had a high gloss finish. The rifle had been issued to the Dutch East India Army. Would they have had a high gloss finish from the factory for a tropical environment or is this likely someones home refinish?

 

[Claven2]

I think you mean Pattern 14 rifle, P14 rifle, or alternately No.3Mk1* rifle (in all liklihood). These are all the same rifle. There was never an M1914 infantry rifle.

The Dutch East India company did adopt and issue the P14. No, they never applied glossy stock finishes - they used linseed oil, just like the UK military did. If it's got a high gloss finish now, then someone has had a go at it.

 

[The_Gun_Boy]

I have never seen anything issued to the KNIL with a high gloss finish. Most are pretty dark and a bit rough. I would say it is someone's refinish.

Also I agree with Claven, it should be a P14, not a M1914.