| Liege Kammerladningsgevær M1849/55 |
| The Kongsberg version of the M1849/55 is probably the second most common of all the large bore kammerlader’s, only the rebuilt version of the M1859 is more usual. A. Francotte in Liege, Belgium manufactured the rifle on the picture and 1999 others. Crause in Hertzberg, Germany produced another 2000 and Kongsberg 6021 of the M1849. Even with this “large” number, not one is known with the original rear sight. There were a couple of improvements on the M1849, compared to the earlier model. The hammer was widened for a better grip, the butt plate was bent up under the stock in order to protect this better. As far as one knows, all the M1849 had fitted new rear sights, attached with a band around the barrel. There were produced about 4500 M1855 at Kongsberg only and in the same number series as the M1840, giving a total of 14 500 M1855’s. This made M1855 into Norway’s most produced firearm so far. If the number is higher than 6021, it’s an original M1855. There is also one other minor difference. The rear top plate of the breech has had a narrow steel piece mounted to cover the holes from the original rear sight of the M1840. This flushes with the little plate and might be a bit difficult to see. |
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| I bought my M1849 from the late Mr. Ulf Lamer, who had an impressive collection of Norwegian arms in magnificent condition, for the astounding amount of NOK 700 in the late 60’s. This was more than just a stiff price at the time. Kammerladere in good condition usually fetched NOK 100-150. Other collectors found crazy that I’d paid 1/3 of what a state employed lawyer made per month. On the other hand – the rifle was brand new and complete with bayonet in scabbard (not matching number), “klikklær”, muzzle-protector in wood covered in felt and the original shoulder-strap. |
| Even though the M1849/55 is one of the most common of all the kammerladnings geværer, it is a great rifle for the starting collector. It is nok too difficult getting hold of. The decorational value is high with a beautiful stock, brass bands and an exiting mechanism. It has all the best qualities from the kammerladere – it is large, large bored (18 lødig – 16,8 mm) and is vary visuable in any collection. A somewhat tatty M1849/55 with nicks, dents and perhaps a splinter gone, without any original finish and some pitting should not exceed NOK 5000. If the finish is ok and there is no rust, and only small nicks and dents, perhaps NOK 7-8 000. Even a close to perfect sample like the one on the picture, should not go very far above NOK 10 000 – Sorry, I’m not selling! The bayonet should also be fairly reasonable. I’d say NOK 5-700, but that might be a bit on the low side. |