{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-austrian-percussion-conversion-muster-1849-kammerbuchse-jager-short-rifle-dated-1853","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Austrian Percussion Conversion Muster 1849 Kammerbuchse Jäger Short Rifle - dated 1853","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal item: Only One Available. The rifle is a Muster 1849 Austro-Hungarian Army (k.k. Army) \u003cem\u003eKammerbuchse\u003c\/em\u003e (chamber rifle), original produced using the somewhat bizarre System Augustin \"Tube Lock\". This utilized a semi-enclosed flash pan and \"tube\" for a more reliable ignition system. It was however short lived, and in 1854 the Lorenz rifle was developed using the much less complex percussion lock system. After this large quantities of the Kammerbuchse rifles were converted to caplock in Liège, Belgium, prior to shipment to America (probably for Federal use) during the Civil War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to the manufacture of the Muster 1854 System Lorenz family of arms beginning in 1855, Kammerbuchsen were used to arm the first two ranks in \u003cem\u003eJäger\u003c\/em\u003e battalions, the third rank in \u003cem\u003eGrenz\u003c\/em\u003e regiments, and some specialist troops such as engineers, pioneers, etc. Although Fredrick Fruwith made numbers of these rifles as a contractor for the k.k. Army, he was not the only contractor who did so. Although widely referred to in America as Garibaldi rifles - beginning in late 1861 - we have been unable to find any reliable written sourcing which documents their issue to Garibaldi's troops during the second Italian War of Independence in 1859 or the March of the Thousand in 1860.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle measures of 48 1\/2\" in overall length, the .71 caliber rifled barrel measuring 33\". The wood stock is quality walnut and the mounts of brass, except for the nose barrel ring, which is steel. The lock of this example still bears the \u003cstrong\u003eAustrian Imperial Eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e on the lock plate tail, as well as a faint date of \u003cstrong\u003e854\u003c\/strong\u003e, for 1854, which puts it perfectly into the pre-U.S. Civil War Time Frame. There are still markings on the lock indicating that it did have a frizzen, which was adapted as part of the \"tube lock\" system originally used on this rifle. There are also still remnants of the \"pan\" part of the system, now ground flush to the rest of the lock plate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny other markings on the lock were most likely removed to obscure the origin, though the top of the barrel nocks form is still marked by maker \u003cstrong\u003eBENTZ\u003c\/strong\u003e, a known maker of these weapons. This is exactly the type of rifle that would have been nearing the end of its service life in Austria, perfect for modification and shipment to North America.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle has had the long range flip up sight removed and the dovetail filled. Also, both sling swivels were removed, possibly because they became broken or just got in the way. It still retains a correct original ramrod, with the large head used to ram the bullet on to the top of the \"chamber\" that these rifles featured. It also looks to possibly have been re-bored larger at some point, as the bore measures about .73, with 10 groove rifling. We checked the bore condition, and it definitely shows some wear from use, and is now fouled and oxidized overall. Definitely some interesting research potential in this example!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rifle is overall in very good condition, with a wonderful aged and oxidized patina. The stock has a lovely honey color, and looks to have been completely cleaned and refinished at some point after service. It now has a lovely varnished finish, which highlights the grain nicely. The lock is the correct type, though the bolster on the barrel plug is a bit different than usually seen, but definitely well executed, with the hammer adjusted to hit the nipple cone farther to the left. We checked the lock action, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fantastic example of an Austrian percussion converted short rifle, most likely imported during the U.S. Civil War. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1853\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: about .72 inches\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 33 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 48 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Side action Percussion lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41010192613445,"sku":"ONAC23SS056","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC23SS056__01.jpg?v=1707167743","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-austrian-percussion-conversion-muster-1849-kammerbuchse-jager-short-rifle-dated-1853","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}