Civil War Weaponry

2014-06-01T00:31:18-04:00

Friends,

I am the Military Historian for the Georgia National Guard. I was fortunate today to acquire an original 1860 Austrian Lorenz Rifle. This was the third most imported arm in the American Civil War. One out of three of the Confederate rifles in the Army of Tennessee was an Austrian Rifle. The Federals obtained 250,000 Austrians while the Confederates imported 100,000. This Lorenz is the rarest kind as it has a graduated rear site to 900 yards.

I am particularly pleased to have obtained this arm during the 150th anniversary of the Atlanta Campaign.

In this image you will see top to bottom:
1851 ten gauge shotgun
1853 pattern Enfield rifle musket 58 caliber
1854 pattern Austrian Lorenz 54 caliber
1841 Springfield 69 caliber

I have also included close ups of the 1860 lock plate and the seer spring. This is a tremendous piece and I hope you enjoy viewing as much as I had researching.

Response by SSG Trevor S. made Jun 1 at 2014 3:13 AM

2014-06-01T03:13:38-04:00

History is in books and in the fields. Well done.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 1 at 2014 6:23 AM

2014-06-01T06:23:04-04:00

Incredible find! Thanks for sharing with us.
Also, I must be completely honest here and mention that I am very envious of your position as historian! What an awesome job to have!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 7:38 AM

2014-06-01T07:38:48-04:00

Sir,

What great pieces of history!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2014 8:30 PM

2014-10-30T20:30:16-04:00

Sir,

I appreciate you sharing this! As a VMI graduate, the Austrian Lorenz holds a particular fascination with me. The Corps of Cadets drilled with 1851 Springfield "Cadet" muskets, ordered by President Taylor for use at military academies and colleges. By 1863, the Cadet Springfields were considered rather shoddy and a couple of recent alumni procured a shipment of Austrian Lorenz rifles for the Cadets. That being said, despite the Cadet Springfield being a unique firearm connected to VMI, it was the Lorenz rifle that took the "Field of Lost Shoes" at the Battle of New Market on 15 May, 1864.

Again, thank you for sharing this! I appreciate it very much!