The Austrian Model 1854 Lorenz Rifle Musket was imported by both sides in the Civil War in numbers second only to the British Enfield: the north brought in some 230,000 and the south another 100,000. This is a very good example of the “Number 1,” using a fixed block rear sight, the typical private’s rifle in the Austrian army, and bears a barrel stamp reading “ZEILINGER,” for Josef Zeilinger of Vienna, one of several makers of Lorenz arms. This one is dated “861” on the lockplate (typically omitting the first digit) and has a small Austrian crown at its rear. The Austrian government sold many of these to make room for and fund their newer Model 1862, but the bulk of early U.S. purchases seems to have come from private makers who supplied commercial, somewhat hybrid patterns that were not strictly regulation. Like many, this one was rebored from .54 to the standard American .58 caliber, but was left in the bright, following Austrian fashion rather than also being blued, as many were, likely in Belgium. In any case, this follows the standard configuration of these imports, measuring a little over 53 inches long, iron mounted, with three barrel bands, leaf or block rear sights, an oval front sight base to fit the spiral mortise of a impressive four-sided socket bayonet, and a rammer with a hole near the brass tip for insertion of a torque pin when cleaning or drawing a ball.

The wood on this one is good, likely Beech, with numerous handling marks and small dings, scratches, etc., but with at tight fit to the metal, warm, reddish-brown color, visible grain, and good edges to the lock apron and side flat. We see one small chip and short hairline at rear of the breechplug tang, likely from recoil. This one omits the cheekrest on the left butt. Bands, springs, swivels on the triggerguard and middle band, and correct ramrod are in place. The metal has a smooth surface with no pitting or primer corrosion, just a few light dings on the top flat near the breech. The nipple is not battered. The maker’s name on the top of the barrel flat is clear. There are some small makers or sub-inspector marks elsewhere, with some rubbing to the lockplate markings. The metal was left in the bright, which was the standard Austrian practice, and shows now as a muted silver gray with some darker gray and thin brown age stains.

This comes with its correct quadrangular bayonet, matching in color, with good edges and point, Austrian marks, and locking ring in place. American made scabbards for these still occasionally show up on the loose. This is a very good example of a widely used Civil War shoulder arm that would fit a Civil War infantry display or import arms collection. There are some wonderful photographs of the members of the 95^th PA carrying these rifles while occupying abandoned Confederate field works at Centreville in 1862.  [sr] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!