Original U.S. Civil War Confederate Veteran M.K. Somers Named Austrian M1854 Lorenz .54cal Percussion Rifle - dated 1860

Original Item: Only one Available. This is a fantastic example of an Austrian M1854 Lorenz Percussion musket in .54cal, almost certainly imported for use in the U.S. Civil War. Many European powers were beginning to move to cartridge firearms, and with a huge market in the United States, sold off many of their soon to be obsolete firearms. Some of these reached the Northern Union forces, but more often, they were sent to the South, which did not have nearly the same level of industrial capacity.

This example was purchased at a recent military auction, and it is named on the right side of the butt stock to M.K. Somers, a Confederate veteran of the Civil War. We conducted research an found that there were in fact TWO different soldiers who could have signed it this way, which makes us fairly certain that this was Confederate used. Additionally, it has had what looks like C S A stamped onto the lock plate, however we feel this is more likely something added by a UCV (United Confederate Veterans) organization when hanging it up in their meeting hall. The lock of this example still bears the Austrian Imperial Eagle on the lock plate tail, as well as a date of 860, for 1860, which puts it perfectly into the U.S. Civil War Time Frame.

Overall, the rifle definitely looks to have been carried extensively, with oxidation on much of the metalwork, which we have left intact for the most part to preserve the lovely patina of age. The rear sight is still present, as is the "slanted" front sight, and both sling swivels are present as well, though the trigger guard swivel is frozen. We checked the bore, and the 4 groove rifling is definitely still present and in good condition. The lock is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full. The stock is in great shape, with a lovely dark honey color, and great grain. The original brass tipped cleaning rod is still present as well.

A fantastic example of an Austrian Lorenz short rifle, named to a Confederate Confederate Soldier from the U.S. Civil War. Ready to research and display!

Specifications (Rifle)-
Year of Manufacture: 1860
Caliber: about .54 inches
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 37 1/4 Inches
Overall Length: 52 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side action Percussion lock
Feed System: Single Shot

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