King Louis XV's Magnificent Engraved Lorenzoni Rifle

Published on February 25, 2018
Duration: 7:23

This video showcases a rare engraved Lorenzoni repeating rifle from the collection of King Louis XV, featuring a unique buttplate magazine access and intricate silver inlay. Manufactured by Sebastian Hauschka, the rifle boasts a Damascus steel barrel and a hexagonal rifled muzzle. It bears the French Royal Cabinet d'Armes inventory number 464 and has a documented history including its dispersal during the French Revolution and subsequent restoration after being rescued post-WWII.

Quick Summary

King Louis XV's Lorenzoni rifle features a unique buttplate trapdoor for its internal magazine, holding separate tubes for projectiles and powder. Manufactured by Sebastian Hauschka, it's approximately .38 caliber with a Damascus steel barrel and hexagonal rifling.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Provenance
  2. 00:43Lorenzoni Repeating System
  3. 01:20Unique Magazine Access
  4. 01:56Artistic Decoration
  5. 03:27Manufacturer & Barrel Details
  6. 04:29Inventory & Historical Context
  7. 05:11Modern Recovery & Restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes King Louis XV's Lorenzoni rifle unique?

This Lorenzoni rifle is unique due to its access to the internal magazine through a trapdoor in the buttplate, which holds separate tubes for projectiles and powder. It also features intricate silver inlay, wood carvings, and a hidden portrait of King Louis XV.

Who manufactured King Louis XV's Lorenzoni rifle?

The rifle was manufactured by the German gunsmith Sebastian Hauschka of Wolfenbüttel. It is approximately .38 caliber and features a Damascus steel barrel with a hexagonal rifled muzzle.

What is the historical significance of this Lorenzoni rifle?

This rifle belonged to King Louis XV of France and bears inventory number 464 from the French Royal Cabinet d'Armes. It was part of the 1775 inventory and was dispersed during the French Revolution before being restored.

How does the Lorenzoni repeating action work?

The Lorenzoni repeating action utilizes a rotating breech lever to reload. This mechanism allows for the rapid cycling of ammunition from an internal magazine, making it an advanced system for its time.

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