Item:
ONSV4176

Original U.S. Civil War Austrian Percussion Conversion Muster 1849 Kammerbuchse Jäger Rifle - dated 1853

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 features a heavily rifled round to octagonal 33 inch barrel, with faded proof marks and the maker's name FRED. FRUWIRTH stamp on the breech. It also has a nice folding leaf rear sight, with a strong spring that holds it in position. The lockplate marked very faintly with partial date 853 in the Austrian fashion and the remains double headed eagle. The left side of the barrel is also marked 1853, along with other faded proof marks.

It also features brass mounts, including a "Jäger" style trigger guard, with a nice cheek rest on the left side of the butt stock. The rifle is also Regimentally marked on the Butt Plate W.K.R.V. / C. 3. / 25., making this a great chance for further research. It retains its wooden ramrod and despite being in storage for over 100 years this is in rather good condition having only been wiped over. Offered as is it appears fully sound and functional.

Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1853 - converted later.
Caliber: .77 inches
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 33 Inches

Overall Length: 48 1/4 Inches
Action type: Side action Percussion lock
Feed System: Single Shot

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  • This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey

    This product is available for international shipping.
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