Item Description
Original Item. Only One Available. The Lorenz Percussion Rifle adopted in 1854 was conceived by Lieutenant JOSEPH LORENZ of the Austrian Army. Vast quantities were ordered, which completely overwhelmed Austro-Hungarian production abilities, so great numbers were contracted to be made in Belgium. These would naturally be produced in the Belgian gunmaking city of Liège. Many of these then were converted to Wänzl Lorenz Breech-Loading Rifles, based on the system developed in 1867. This involved modification to the stock, and replacing the breech of the barrel.
At first glance, this rifle looks to have escaped alteration, however close inspection shows that this rifle was in fact made into a Wänzl, but then converted BACK into a percussion rifle. The stock wood removed was replaced, and a new percussion breech was grafted onto the barrel. We have seen several of these on the market, and the best explanation we can find is that these were intended for "second line" troops, or even trade to less advanced areas, where cartridges were in short supply. Percussion ammunition was much easier to deal with in those areas in terms of supply. Definitely a very interesting history!
All steel is polished and the short rifle comes complete with its brass-tipped iron Ram Rod and both sling swivels intact. The butt shows minimal wear, and the stock, made of Beech is totally sound, except for some small repairs near the breech. The metalwork has been polished, showing very little wear and surviving in a remarkably good overall condition. Just forward of the cap bolster is the Belgian "Tower of Liège" proof mark, the view stamp and inspector's mark for firearms "Perron". The bore of the 4-groove rifled barrel is quite nice, with clear lands and grooves, and minimal oxidation. The lack of powder burn around the cap nipple indicates that this short rifle saw little use after "un-conversion", leaving it in great shape.
The most interesting feature of this splendid percussion rifle is that it's lock bears FAUX British Markings of TOWER / 1863 with CROWN / V.R. on the lock plate tail. This is not and was never a BRITISH Rifle: these markings were put on to obfuscate the origin of the rifle to untrained eyes. Definitely an interesting research opportunity!
A scarce short rifle almost forgotten to history! Fully cleaned, revealing a true peach in just lovely condition ready to Display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1863 - converted and then unconverted.
Caliber: .54
Cartridge Type: Cap and Ball
Overall Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 45 Inches
Action type: Percussion Lock
Feed System: Single Shot
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.
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