| M1846/55 Kammerlader rifle |
 |
 |
| The M1842 kammerlader was more or less an experimental model and produced in a very limited quantity. After some experience, certain things were corrected and the new model M1846 was set in production. The M1846 seems very similar to the M1842, but is really just about all different. The easiest difference to spot, is the hammer. Although the section that hits the percussion cap still is very small compared to the later models – round with a diameter of 8 mm, the handle of the hammer is a lot wider and is flat on top, the M1842 has more of a ridge. The stock has the same straight line from the trigger guard to the butt plate, but this is thicker and goes down in an almost 90 degree angle from the top of the stock. The threads on all screws are a lot deeper, the brass bands are thicker etc. etc. The M1846 was produced in a total of some 6000 rifles – 3000 at Kongsberg, Crause in Hertzberg and Francotte in Liege produced an additional 1500 each. Most of the M1846 saw a lot of use and they are often pretty worn compared to the other kammerlader models. The M1846 M1846 with the original rear sight is very scarce. The rifle on the picture to |
 |
| The difference between the M1842/M1846 and later army models can also be seen at a glance. The stock on the “old ones” - the M1842 and M1846 - goes in a straight line from the trigger guard to the butt plate. They have no heel on the butplate below the rear stock. On all later army models, the rear stock is curved. |
| the left is a M1846/55 where the rear sights has been moved forwards and attached with a ring round the barrel. The picture to the right shows the original rear sight. When changed in 1855, the two screws holdig the little plate under the original sight were kept - different from all later models. The picture on the bottom of the page shows a M1849/55 and a M1846/55. The hammers are very different. The M1849/55 is equipped with a nice little detail - klikklær (click leather) for dry firering of the rifle without ruining the pipe holding the percussion cap. The klikklær is to be attached in the little plate visibel above the hammers. These are rare! |