Original Item: Only One Available. This exceptionally fine Norwegian M1855 Army Kammerlader 17.5 mm Breech Loading Rifle by Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars in 2026. You can watch it on the episode below: 

This is a particularly attractive Norwegian Army Model 1855 Kammerlader percussion breech loading rifle manufactured at Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk in 1857, serial number 8983. Chambered in the traditional Norwegian 18 lødig caliber, approximately 16.8mm, this long military rifle retains its distinctive rising chamber breech mechanism, three brass barrel bands, M1855 ladder sight, extensive matching serial numbers, and crisp Kongsberg and inspection markings. The bore remains remarkably strong, while the exterior has developed an attractive bright and lightly oxidized service patina.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Norwegian Kammerlader, literally “chamber loader,” was one of the earliest military breech loading rifle systems adopted for general service anywhere in the world. Norway adopted the first Army model in 1842, decades before metallic cartridge breechloaders became standard military equipment. The basic system proved successful enough to remain in production and undergo repeated improvement for more than twenty years.

The mechanism is a percussion breechloader using a separate chamber at the rear of the barrel. Operating the large side lever raises and rotates the chamber upward, exposing it for loading. Once charged, the chamber is lowered back into alignment with the barrel and the rifle is fired by a conventional percussion lock. This unusual but highly effective arrangement allowed a soldier to load from the breech while retaining the familiar percussion cap ignition system of the period.

The Model 1855 was the next production development of the Army Kammerlader after the M1849. The most important identifying feature was the newly adopted M1855 ladder sight, secured by a ring around the barrel immediately forward of the chamber housing. Earlier M1846 and M1849 rifles were also subsequently upgraded with this sight, creating the M1846/55 and M1849/55 configurations, while rifles manufactured from the outset with the new arrangement are classified as the M1855.

This rifle measures approximately:

55.7" overall
36.6" barrel

These dimensions correspond closely with the regulation M1855 Army rifle specifications of approximately 1415mm overall and 930mm barrel length.

The rifle is in 18 lødig caliber, the traditional Norwegian gauge designation used for this family of Army rifles. Modern specialist references place the nominal caliber at approximately 16.8mm. It retains six groove rifling.

The top of the action immediately forward of the chamber is clearly marked:

(Crown)
K
1857
8983

The crowned K is the mark of Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk, Norway's state arms factory. The 1857 date records manufacture, while 8983 is the rifle's serial number.

Serial number 8983 falls comfortably within the documented M1855 Army production range of approximately 6907 to 10807. Kongsberg produced approximately 3,300 rifles of the M1855 Army pattern between 1855 and 1859, making this a comparatively limited production military rifle.

One of the strongest features of this example is the extensive matching numbering. Serial number 8983 is found on numerous major components, including the butt plate tang, middle barrel band, rear portion of the breech, rear sight base, breech tang, components of the operating lever, forward tang of the lower action, rear of the trigger guard, and the left side of the rifle.

This widespread matching numbering is characteristic of Kongsberg military production, where major fitted components were individually numbered to the arm.

Adjacent to the Kongsberg marking is a script:

MG

inspection mark associated with Maximilian Gran, who served as a control officer inspecting Kongsberg arms. Specialist documentation of another M1855 rifle manufactured in 1857 specifically identifies both the detailed inspection mark and the MG initials as those of Maximilian Gran.

The underside of the action ahead of the sling swivel mounting is additionally marked:

(Crown)
K
1857

providing another clear Kongsberg production marking.

The rifle retains its three brass barrel bands. The brass has developed an attractive naturally aged golden patina that contrasts very nicely with the iron barrel and action.

The M1855 rear sight remains present and operates correctly. This angular ladder sight was officially approved on May 26, 1855 and is the principal feature that distinguishes the newly manufactured M1855 from the earlier M1849 configuration.

The upper sling swivel remains present and moves correctly. The lower sling swivel is missing.

The breech mechanism remains mechanically functional during careful manual inspection. Operating the lever raises the chamber into its loading position and returns it correctly into alignment with the barrel.

The bore is in very good condition. The six groove rifling remains crisp and well defined, while the interior is mostly bright with only limited evidence of old fouling and oxidation.

The exterior metalwork is likewise very attractive. Most of the original browned finish has worn away through service and repeated cleaning, leaving a predominantly bright gray patina with scattered staining and areas of old peppering. We do not see extensive deep pitting or other major destructive corrosion.

The stock has developed a particularly pleasing warm brown color and retains numerous original military and service markings. Norwegian Army M1855 stocks were normally made from birch, and the appearance of this example is consistent with that material.

The left side of the butt stock is prominently stamped:

HEDEMARK

This appears to be a regional or military property marking associated with Hedemark, the historic inland district of eastern Norway. Similar HEDEMARK markings have been documented on other Norwegian Kammerlader rifles. Without additional unit numbering or documentary records, however, we would not assign this rifle to a specific regiment or company solely from that stamp.

The stock remains in very good overall condition, with the expected dents, dings, scratches, and handling marks accumulated during military service and more than a century and a half of storage. These marks give the rifle considerable character without detracting from its strong overall presentation.

With its clear Crown / K / 1857 / 8983 Kongsberg markings, extensive matching serial numbers, Maximilian Gran inspection mark, M1855 ladder sight, crisp six groove bore, three brass barrel bands, and intriguing HEDEMARK stock marking, this is an especially appealing example of one of the most innovative military rifle systems of the mid 19th century. The Norwegian Kammerlader occupies an important place in the transition from muzzleloading percussion arms to practical military breechloaders, making this rifle an excellent addition to a collection of Scandinavian arms, early breech loading rifles, Kongsberg military firearms, or technological developments of the percussion era.

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: 1857
Maker: Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk
Caliber: 18 lødig (gauge) - about 17.5mm
Ammunition Type: Paper Cartridges with Percussion Cap
Barrel Length:  36.6" (930 mm)
Overall Length: 55.7" (1415 mm)
Action: Falling Block Lever Action
Feed System: Single Shot
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

The Kammerlader, or "chamber loader", was the first Norwegian breech-loading rifle, and among the first breech loaders adopted for use by an armed force anywhere in the world. A single-shot black-powder rifle, the kammerlader was operated with a crank mounted on the side of the receiver. This made it much quicker and easier to load than the weapons previously used. Kammerladers quickly gained a reputation for being fast and accurate rifles, and would have been a deadly weapon against massed ranks of infantry.

This BREECH LOADING percussion, Under Hammer, Infantry Rifle system was developed in 1842 by a serving Officer "SCHEEL" and a Gunsmith "GREGERSEN". It features a "Crank" on the right hand side which first disengages the chamber , and then swivels it vertically for loading. The Percussion hammer is under the action in front of the trigger and the massive mainspring also acts as a a hammer guard in front of the existing trigger guard. These were originally produced in 18 lødig (gauge) or 17.5mm, but many revisions were made, eventually reducing the caliber to 4 Linjers, or 12.17mm.

The kammerlader was introduced in 1842, and it is thought that about 40,000 were manufactured until about 1870. While the first flintlock breech-loading rifles, such as the Ferguson, were launched decades before 1842, Norway was among the first European countries to introduce breech loaders on a large scale throughout its army and navy. The kammerladers were manufactured in several different models, and most models were at some point modified in some way or other.

The kammerladers were phased out as more modern rifles were approved for use. They were either modified for rimfire cartridges, sold off to civilians or melted for scrap. Rifles sold to civilians were often modified for use as shotguns or hunting firearms. Today it is hard to find an unmodified kammerlader, and collectors often pay high prices for them.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.