Rifle, Austrian Lorenz
Object number2008.262.27
Dateca 1865
Mediumwood and metal
Dimensions5 x 53 in. (12.7 x 134.6 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum
DescriptionPercussion rifled musket designed by Joseph Lornez in 1854 and produced in Austria. The stock is a dark wood, like a walnut. The barrel and hardware is heavily pitted. The initials "J.K.N" (the N is backwards) are carved into the butt of the rifle. Several letters and numbers are stamped into the metal in various places. The number "860" is located on the lockplate and the number "30" is located on each of the barrel bands. A wooden tampion is inserted into the muzzle of the rifle.
The rifle fired a solid .54 cal bullet, which made the rifle less accurate than others that fired minie balls. The Lorenz was the third most used rifle in the Civil War. They were imported by both the Union and Confederacy in large numbers.
Status
Not on view