Rare Norwegian Model 1774/1841/1851 Tapprifle .72 Caliber Converted to Pillar Breech Rifle-Musket. Converted at Kongsberg Vapenfabrikk, Norway, to pillar breech in 1851. This gun started life as a smooth bore dog-lock model 1774 Flintlock musket. In 1841 it was altered to percussion, and in 1851 was rifled and converted to pillar breech. It has a 40" round barrel that is approximately .72 caliber. The bore is very good with strong rifling. The pillar breech system has a round pointed rod that projects into the chamber area. The powder fills the area around the rod, and the Tamisier Conical bullet, which is a fairly loose fit, is dropped into the bore. The heavy ramrod, which has a conical cut out in the face, is used to pound the bullet base on to the pointed pillar. This expands the bullet so it will engage the rifling. In contrast, the French minie bullet, which had a hollow base that expanded under pressure. The barrel has most of its original black paint finish (the first black rifle?). The other metal parts are smooth bright / brown patina. The brass furniture has a pleasing aged patina. Lock and garrel are numbered “1260". The bolster has a crown/ “K Kongsberg" stamp and an additional script “K". The lock has a “K" and small “GS" within an impressed box. The percussion lock retains the dog-lock feature. The stock is very good with the usual issue dents. There is a very small stress crack from the toe to the trigger guard tang. The brass butt plate has the original large dome head screws. The sling swivels and sights are correct. The action functions correctly. This is a great example of a rare Norwegian infantry rifle that is also important for the pillar breech technology.