Norwegian Kammerlader M1849/1855 Percussion Breech-Loading Rifle Matching
SOLD FOR: $3,175.10
LSB#: WY241219RK003
Make: Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk (Norwegian Military Contract)
Model: Kammerlader M1849/1855
Serial Number: 955
Year of Manufacture: 1849 (Updated to 1855 Configuration)
Caliber: 18mm (.71 Caliber) Percussion
Action Type: Single-Shot Breech-Loading Rifle with Underhammer Percussion Ignition
Markings: The rifle bears numerous matching serial numbers, with “955” stamped on the rear sight, breech, rear of the breech, tang, brass buttplate, and throughout various small parts. The breech also features an oval “JJ” marking, an “E” on the front of the breech, and the tang of the brass buttplate is marked “SMCA 43.”
Barrel Length: Approximately 36”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a post, soldered to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable flip sight, marked from 400 to 800 meters. The rear sight still retains deep bluing, contrasting beautifully with the rest of the rifle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The walnut stock features a full-length military configuration, housing the distinctive underhammer ignition system. The stock exhibits handling wear, small dings, and marks from age and service, but remains structurally solid. The brass buttplate and barrel bands have developed a pleasing mustard patina.
Type of Finish: Damascus Barrel with Brass Fittings
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with very strong rifling. There is stubborn fouling throughout, but no signs of major pitting or damage. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10 for its age.
Overall Condition: This rifle is in excellent mechanical shape, with a solid action and crisp trigger pull. The breech has gone white, contrasting with the deep blues of the rear sight and the mustard patina of the brass fittings. The Damascus pattern in the barrel is beautifully visible, adding to the rifle’s striking appearance. The overall condition of this rifle is about 45% color retained.
Mechanics: The breech-loading action is strong and locks securely, a testament to the incredible engineering and innovation of the Kammerlader design. The underhammer percussion system remains fully intact.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle retains its original sling swivels, one mounted on the front of the trigger guard and the other on the front barrel band.
Our Assessment: The Norwegian Kammerlader M1849/1855 is one of the earliest successful military breech-loading rifles, far ahead of its time compared to other European muzzleloaders of the era. Developed in the 1840s, this rifle allowed for faster loading and higher battlefield efficiency decades before other nations adopted similar technology.
Unlike many later conversions to metallic cartridge systems, this example remains in its original percussion configuration, making it highly collectible. The matching serial numbers throughout the rifle, deep blue finish on the rear sight, striking Damascus barrel, and beautifully aged brass components make this an outstanding historic firearm.
For collectors of early military breechloaders, Norwegian military arms, or historically significant black powder rifles, this Kammerlader represents an exceptionally rare and innovative firearm. Whether for display, collection, or research, this is an exceedingly rare and historically significant example of 19th-century military ingenuity. So bid high and bid firm. Please take a look at the condition in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
