King Louis XV's Magnificent Engraved Lorenzoni Rifle

Published on February 25, 2018
Duration: 7:23

This guide explores the King Louis XV Lorenzoni Rifle, a rare firearm from the French royal collection. It details the unique Lorenzoni repeating action, its special buttplate magazine access, and the exquisite artistic and historical features. The rifle was manufactured by Sebastian Hauschka and carries significant provenance from the French Royal Cabinet d'Armes, with a history of recovery and restoration. Expert insights highlight its mechanical complexity and artistic value.

Quick Summary

The King Louis XV Lorenzoni Rifle, manufactured by Sebastian Hauschka, features a unique repeating action with a buttplate trapdoor for its internal magazine. Made of Damascus steel and bearing royal inventory number 464, it was part of the French Royal Cabinet d'Armes before being recovered and restored after WWII.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the unique feature of the King Louis XV Lorenzoni Rifle's magazine system?

The King Louis XV Lorenzoni Rifle has a unique magazine access system utilizing a trapdoor in the buttplate. This trapdoor reveals separate tubes for projectiles and powder, differing from standard Lorenzoni designs.

Who manufactured the King Louis XV Lorenzoni Rifle and what is notable about its barrel?

The rifle was manufactured by Sebastian Hauschka of Wolfenbüttel. Its barrel is made of Damascus steel, renowned for its strength, flexibility, and distinctive patterned appearance.

What historical significance does the inventory number 464 hold for this rifle?

The inventory number 464 indicates that this rifle was part of the French Royal Cabinet d'Armes, the royal armory of France, before its dispersal during the French Revolution.

How was this historical rifle recovered and what condition is it in?

A US officer rescued the rifle from a pile of guns slated for destruction after WWII. It has since undergone expert restoration to bring it back to its original condition.

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