Original Danish / Norwegian Pillar Breech Percussion Converted Rifled Musket Model 1769/1841 with Doglock Safety Original Items

Original Item. Only One Available. This is pretty unusual, starting life as the Danish Flintlock 18mm smooth bore Musket of 1769, fitted with an early Doglock type safety on the hammer. The lock does have a true half-cock position, which may have been added when it was later to be converted to percussion circa 1841. This conversion most likely occurred in Norway, where it was fitted with a rifled barrel of 40 inches long. It was then further converted after 1851 with the addition of a “pillar breech” to the barrel, intended to push out the bottom of the bullet to engage the rifling. The overall length is 54 ¾ inches, with all brass mounts on a Beech Wood stock with a two leaf flip up long range sight fitted to barrel.

The rifle comes complete with its VERY substantial iron ramrod assembly, with a large cup on the end intended to aid in pushing the bullet onto the pillar. The rifle is overall in excellent condition, and the breech wood stock is beautiful, and the metalwork shows a polished bright patina. It looks like it was either kept as an unissued sample, or more likely was completely refurbished at some point, which unfortunately resulted in the markings on the barrel, lock, and stock being worn away. There are definitely some markings still visible, such as a square NO cartouche on the lock plate, and the number 3 on the barrel, side plate, and tail of the lock. There are also some proofs on the breech end of the barrel, which are faded but definitely a source of future research.

The brass side plate of the rifle, trigger guard, and brass butt plate are all correct for this model, though the iron screws with very large heads on the back of the butt plate appear to have been replaced. It is also missing the front and rear sling swivels, though we can see the areas where they were attached previously. The area under the rear of the trigger guard for the rear swivel was plugged with wood filler. Also of note is that the brass ramrod pipes on this rifled musket are MASSIVE, definitely larger than we are used to seeing.

Condition of this rifled musket is very good, having been refurbished to look much like it did when it was first made. The metalwork is in great shape, as is the stock, and it really has a fantastic look. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock, and firing at full. The bore is in very good condition, still showing strong rifling, with some areas of fouling and oxidation. The pillar at the bottom of the barrel is easily visible.

A great example of a hard to find Danish / Norwegian rifled musket that saw long service, fully refurbished at some time in the past. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780 – converted circa 1850.
Caliber: about 18mm rifled
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 40 Inches
Overall Length: 54 ¾ Inches
Action type: Side action Lock with Dog Safety
Feed System: Muzzle Loading

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