The Model 1854 Lorenz was the third most common rifle-musket of the Civil War, with more than 200,000 imported by the Union and 100,000 imported by the Confederacy. The Lorenz was of such high quality that it was used to the very end of the War by North and South alike.

This is what Lorenz collectors call the classic “Confederate” configuration, often referred to as a “Type I” by collectors. It retains its original 13.9mm (.54) bore and has a cheekrest on the left side of the buttstock.

The lockplate is marked 860, meaning it is dated 1860. The various metal parts are stamped with the single matching digit 6 (or 9 – who can know which?) The rifling is still present, although the bore is brown - I have not tried to clean it. The mechanics are crisp and the mainspring is strong. The bore measures .54 caliber, considered by collectors as the Confederate caliber, although both North and South used Lorenz rifles of this caliber. The nipple is clear.

The beech wood stock is well worn and shows years of hard use, some likely after the War. The original high rear sight is gone, as is often the case but the upturned edges of the dovetail cut in the barrel for the sight have V shaped notches filed into them to make a fixed rear sight. The ramrod is the correct original, worn but full length and still has the threaded bottom end.

The metal is a nice attic brown. This still has both the front and the rear sling swivels, items often removed by soldiers who did not want to use a rifle sling with their arm.

These Lorenz rifles are actively sought by collectors and shooters. They are finally getting their well-deserved recognition as an important part of Civil War armament.

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