Item Description
Original item: Only One Available. The rifle is a Muster 1849 Austro-Hungarian Army (k.k. Army) Kammerbuchse (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.
Prior 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 Jäger battalions, the third rank in Grenz 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.
The rifle measures of 48" in overall length, the .75 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 plate is unmarked, except for an Austrian-style 848 date, and it also has the Austrian Eagle proof on the lock plate tail. There is also the serial or assembly number 59 stamped into all of the brass hardware as well as on the barrel sight dovetail, while all of the other markings on the rifle are unclear. There are still markings on the lock indicating that it did have a frizzen, which was adapted as part of the "tube lock" system most likely originally used on this rifle. It still retains the original cleaning rod, though both the lower and upper sling swivels are missing.
The stock is in very good condition, with a lovely cheek piece on the left butt stock, and a gently worn finish. The metalwork shows a bit more wear, especially the barrel near the cap bolster. There is a lot of powder burn in the area, indicating that the rifle saw significant use after the percussion conversion. It at one time had a rear sight, however that is now missing, leaving just the dovetail. The original cleaning rod is present and in good shape, and the lock functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.
The bayonet is a nice bladed socket type, and locks correctly onto the front of the rifle. It is somewhat interesting however, in that the socket fits over both the front sight and a securing lug on the bottom of the barrel. The locking ring is on the very end of the socket, and rotates a full 180 so that the front sight is not blocked. With the long bayonet on a somewhat short rifle, it would still be able to have a good reach for bayonet combat. It does have some staining and wear, but matches the rifle well.
A very nice example of an interesting percussion short rifle, possibly imported during the civil war, complete with its original bayonet. Ready to display!
Specifications (Rifle)-
Year of Manufacture: 1848 - converted later
Caliber: about .75 inches
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 33 Inches
Overall Length: 48 Inches
Action type: Side action Percussion lock
Feed System: Single Shot
Specifications (Bayonet)-
Blade Length: 23"
Blade Style: Single Edged Sword with Fuller
Overall length: 28"
NOTE: 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.
- 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, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. 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. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
