This is a very rare early 20th century semi-automatic rifle that was designed/developed by a Norwegian gunsmith, and then actually manufactured in Great Britain. In an open letter in January 1912 the French General Michel, President of the Portable and Small Caliber Arms Superior Studies Committee, addressed the Versailles Experimental Firearms Committee about testing current semi-automatic rifle designs. The French, like most other countries, were very interested in adopting a new semi-automatic rifle. In his address, he stated they would test any rifle submitted and that the representatives/gunsmith should attend and also bring 2,000 rounds of ammunition for this weapon. In February 1912, the representative of this design came to the committee accompanied by Captain Petit, Secretary of the Portable and Small Caliber Arms Superior Studies Committee. He brought the Hagan designed rifle along with 15 charging clips and only 20 cartridges. The representative shot a few of the 20 rounds of test ammunition. It performed sufficiently that the French committee decided to proceed with further tests when the planned 2,000 cartridges arrived. In April 1912, the additional test ammunition arrived and the additional tests were conducted by the committee. These additional test focused on both the mechanical aspects of the rifle used and more specifically on the cartridge and powder type. In July 1912 the Test Committee issued a written report outlining the test and the recommendations, of the signatures on the test report L. Chauchat, who would go on to design the Model 1915 automatic rifle in three more years. It has a round bolt design that actually rotates approximately 30 degrees and has two locking lugs. The design is also very unique in that the action can be fired in either a semi-auto or manual repeating mode according to the shooter’s choice and indicator’s position, which is located on the right lower side of the action. When in manual configuration (S), the ejector acts as a bolt stop and the bolt stays to the rear after each shot. The ejector retracts when the bolt release lever ahead of the trigger is used. When it is in semi-auto configuration (M), the ejector is turned downward, which lets the bolt move freely. The ejector moves upward only after the last round is shot and acts as a bolt hold-open. It also has a side mounted cocking handle that can be disengaged and turned downward so its out of the way. The gas piston system is composed of two parts, one of which is the gas cylinder, which is permanently attached to the barrel and the other is detachable. The part integral to the barrel contains the piston and its guide rod on which is mounted the return spring and the transmission fork. This fork is articulated and has a lug on the slide and that allows the piston to transfer its movement to the slide to cycle the bolt. The front of the barrel has an integral nosecap, front barrel band that has a small adjustable gas port, so that when the port is open it cycles the piston and associated slide. It is also fitted with a unique internal magazine that has a cartridge indicator on the right side to show how many rounds are left in the magazine. The floorplate can be opened to unload the magazine. It has a full length walnut forend and top handguard with a semi-grip walnut stock. The stock has a very similar shape to the British Enfield rifle, giving support that it was made in Great Britain. It is fitted with a aiming circle type front sight with a fully adjustable 1903 Springfield rear sight. A very unique prototype semi-automatic rifle, with only a handful actually manufactured.

Fine with 85% of the original blue finish overall with only a hint of edge and high spot wear with more wear around the rear of the receiver with some light thinning on the sides from handling over the years. The buttstock is in very fine condition with a nice medium brown color overall showing minor light handling marks and scratches on the sides. The forend is in fair condition with its original medium brown color overall with a six-inch crack on the right rear sight. It appears to have been a stress crack that occurred when the rifle was fired, and which someone has tried to glue back together years and years ago. There are no markings on the entire rifle and the only serial number is a number "2" stamped on top of the magazine follower. A very unique and interesting rifle that certainly needs more research on its history.