Lorenz Model 1854
Vienna Arsenal (k.k. Gewehrfabrik) · Rifle · Out Of Production · 1854
Also known as: Lorenz Rifle, Infanteriegewehr M1854, Lorenz Rifle Musket
Overview
The Lorenz Model 1854 was the standard percussion-cap rifle musket of the Austrian Empire, designed by Lieutenant Joseph Lorenz and adopted in 1854. Chambered for a .54-caliber (roughly 13.9 mm) compression bullet and fitted with a quadrant rear sight, it was a muzzle-loaded single-shot infantry arm built around a steel barrel and a walnut full stock. Produced by the Austrian state arsenals, it became one of the most widely fielded firearms of mid-19th-century Europe and was imported in vast numbers by both sides of the American Civil War.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4280 g (151.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1337 mm (52.64") |
| Barrel Length | 953 mm (37.52") |
| Action Type | Muzzleloader |
| Firing Mechanism | Percussion |
| Muzzle Velocity | 373 m/s (1224 fps) |
| Effective Range | 225 m (246 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 3 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
Calibers
- .54 caliber (Lorenz) · primary — also known as .5473 caliber, 13.9mm Lorenz
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Muzzleloader
- Features: Muzzle Loading, Percussion Lock, Quadrant Rear Sight
Variants
- Lorenz Model 1862 — Improved Lockplate
Service history
Operators
- Austrian Empire · adopted 1855 · as Infanteriegewehr M1854
- Kingdom of Italy
- Union Army · adopted 1861
- Confederate States Army · adopted 1861
Conflicts
- Second Italian War of Independence (1859)
- American Civil War (1861-1865)
- Austro-Prussian War (1866)
Production
Production years: 1854-1867
Approximately 326,924 examples were imported during the American Civil War (around 226,924 by the Union and 100,000 by the Confederacy).
Origin
Country of origin: Austria
Designer: Joseph Lorenz
Discontinued: 1867
Notes
Quality of imported Civil War examples varied widely; many were rebored to .58 caliber in American service to accept standard Minie ammunition, which created supply and accuracy complaints. It finished third in numbers behind the British Enfield and American Springfield among rifles used in the conflict.
Background
Imported by the hundreds of thousands during the American Civil War, the Lorenz became the third most common rifle of that conflict behind the Enfield and Springfield, with both Union and Confederate soldiers carrying Austrian-made muskets against one another.