This is a Model 1854 Austrian Lorenz rifle from the Civil War era. The Lorenz rifle was the second most imported rifle of the war, with over 250,000 being imported by the US and 100,000 documented imports by the Confederacy. The overall length of this weapon is 52", with a barrel length of 37 1/4". The barrel, lock plate and trigger guard appear to have been cleaned long ago, but have aged back nicely. The barrel has a nice steel gray look with some scattered black age spots. There is very minimal pitting and only slight pinpricking around the bolster and top of the barrel. The number 3404 is stamped into the right barrel flat, that being the only visible stamp on the barrel. The rear sight is missing, the front sight is a raised blade type. The bore is .58 caliber, is dark but has very little pitting and the 4 groove rifling is very strong. The lock plate is smooth and has a two tone appearance. The rear of the plate is steel gray, while the are forward of the hammer, along with the hammer, is darker. The numbers 862 are still visible, indicating the year of manufacture is 1862. The mechanics are good, with the hammer locking in half and full cock. The trigger guard, rear and middle barrel bands have the same patina as the barrel, a nice steel gray with scattered black age spots. The front barrel band is a little darker in appearance, much like the lock plate. The original sling swivels are attached to the middle barrel band and the trigger bow. The butt plate has a dark, black patina. Apparently this was the once piece of hardware that wasn't cleaned. The barrel bands, side plate, trigger guard and butt plate all have assembly number 25 stamped into them. In addition to the number 25, the middle barrel band has the letters TD stamped into it. The ramrod is the correct type, but is to short for the weapon. The front barrel band retaining spring has the tip broken off. The beech stock is dark, out of the attic look. There are the normal bumps and bruises associated with normal use. There are a couple of small age cracks on the flats of the stock. One is to the rear of the lock plate, the other is on the opposite side of the stock, extending from the rear lock plate screw. Both crack are approximately 1/4" long. There is a crack extending from the barrel tang area into the wrist of the stock. A small piece of iron band measuring 2 1/4" long by 3/4" wide, retained by three small flat head screws, has been used to reinforce the stock. This repair was obviously done long ago. This stock is of the type with a cheek rest on the left side of the stock. On the check rest the initials MAW are carved. The Army of Tennessee is known to have used these Lorenz rifles heavily from 1863 - 1864. If I was a betting man, I'd wager that this long arm was southern used. It was the third most used rifle of the war, behind the Springfield and Enfield. This is a nice example of a Civil War used M1854 Lorenz, available at a great price.

Item # AA1044

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