Original Item: Only One Available. This is an outstanding and historically significant example of an Austrian Model 1854 Lorenz Percussion Rifle-Musket, a weapon that was imported in massive numbers during the American Civil War and became one of the most important foreign arms used during the conflict. Unlike the many Lorenz rifles later imported as surplus after the war, this example has all the correct characteristics of one of the rifles brought into the United States during the war itself for battlefield service.

By the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, both the Union and Confederacy were desperate for modern rifled arms. With European armies beginning to transition toward newer cartridge systems, thousands of Austrian Lorenz rifles became available for export. These well-made Austrian military arms quickly became prized imports, with large quantities reaching both Northern and Southern forces. The industrially limited Confederacy relied heavily on European purchases, while the Federal Government also acquired substantial numbers to arm rapidly expanding volunteer regiments.

A general rule regarding Civil War imported Lorenz rifles is that Confederate-purchased examples were often retained in their original .5473 inch (13.9mm) Austrian caliber, while many Union-purchased examples were altered to accept the standard U.S. .58 caliber Minié ball adopted by the Federal Government. This example has a worn bore measuring approximately .585", strongly suggesting it was one of the examples enlarged for American service, very possibly as part of a Federal Union contract. While no specific import markings were located, the configuration and measurements are exactly what collectors look for in a Civil War imported Lorenz.

The lock plate retains the Austrian Imperial Eagle marking on the tail and is dated **861**, indicating manufacture in 1861, placing this rifle directly at the beginning of the American Civil War and exactly within the period when these arms were urgently being purchased and shipped across the Atlantic.

One of the most desirable features of this example is the rare original long-range rear sight. Unlike the more common simplified sight variations, this rifle retains the adjustable military sight with three separate notches marked **4 5**, **6 7**, and **8 9**, allowing theoretical ranges out to approximately 900 yards. This was an impressive feature for a Civil War-era infantry arm and demonstrates the advanced design of the Austrian Lorenz system.

The breech plug shows evidence of removal at some point in its service life, which is exactly what would have been required during the process of enlarging the bore for American .58 caliber ammunition. Additional markings are present on the left side of the barrel, though they are no longer fully legible.

The bore has been inspected and retains its original four-groove rifling. The rifling shows honest service wear, with areas of old oxidation and fouling remaining, exactly what would be expected from a rifle that saw actual 19th-century military use. The percussion nipple cone remains clear, though the exterior displays typical powder burn and oxidation from firing.

The lock mechanism has been tested and remains functional. It holds at half cock and releases properly from full cock; however, the half cock position rests very close to the nipple cone and is therefore not practically usable.

The stock is especially attractive, displaying a wonderful aged dark reddish-brown patina from more than 160 years of history. It remains in lovely condition with no major damage observed, only the expected handling marks and wear from service. Importantly, this is the correct stock configuration associated with Civil War imported examples, without the Austrian-style left side cheek piece.

Both original sling swivels remain present and functional, although the trigger guard-mounted swivel is somewhat stiff. The rifle also retains a cleaning rod beneath the barrel, which appears to be a period fabricated replacement.

Overall, this is a fantastic and increasingly difficult-to-find example of a true Civil War-era imported Austrian M1854 Lorenz Rifle-Musket. With its 1861-dated lock, correct American import-style stock, enlarged .58 caliber bore, rare long-range sight, and honest service wear, this is exactly the type of Lorenz rifle sought after by Civil War collectors.

A wonderful piece of Civil War small arms history, ready for further research and display!

Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: Minié Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 37 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 52 3/8 Inches
Action type: Side action Percussion lock
Feed System: Single Shot

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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.

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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.