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AUSTRIAN MODEL 1849 (LONG) RIFLE AKA "THE GARABALDI"

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These .71 heavily rifled weapons were originally produced as "tube-locks".

The lock, known colloquially as either the “tube lock” or “pill lock” resembled the flintlock battery with a pan and cover. To operate, the pan was opened, and a detonator was inserted. This was essentially a percussion cap that was sealed with two hollow tubes extending from it in opposite directions. One of the tubes was inserted into the touchhole of the gun, with the other extending beyond the pan in the opposite direction, providing an easy way for the soldier to handle the detonator. When the pan was closed, the extra tube was crimped down and sealed. The top of the pan contained a firing pin, which would detonate the primer when it was struck by the hammer. The spark from the primer would pass through the tube into the chamber of the gun and ignite the powder charge to fire the weapon. The modified guns had a steel striker inserted in the jaws of the flintlock hammer and a new “frizzen” which incorporated the striker that would ignite the primer tube replaced the original flint frizzen. This system soon fell out of favor and conversion to the cone (or nipple) and percussion cap system was initiated.  When the Civil War broke out, they were bought principally by Northern arms agents. Many, not already changed to percussion by the Austrians were altered to percussion in Liege before shipment to the US. A total of 25,667 were purchased by the North while it is certain Southern agents also acquired thousands. Prior to the Civil War a plethora were sold to Garibaldi's revolutionary forces in Italy hence the nickname.

This weapon measures 48 inches long overall and has a 32 1/2-inch octagonal to round barrel with a blade front site on the top and a bayonet lug on the right side of the muzzle. The barrel surface is gray/brown with spotted mottling scattered throughout and gunpowder induced pitting evident at the breech. The barrel is anchored to the stock by a lug well forward of the trigger guard and a single iron barrel band at the end of the stock approx. 4.75 inches from the muzzle. This band is held by a spring. The barrel was converted to percussion by cutting off the breech and adding a new breech plug with a wide based bolster and nipple attached forming a "Patent Breech". The rear sight is notched and also has a flip up leaf with three aiming holes. Bore has great multi-groove rifling, but it is dirty. The lock and hammer match the barrel in surface color. The lock bears a small Austian eagle at the rear.  The action is strong and works well. The beech stock is in nice condition with a cheek rest on the left side. It has a fine surface patina with dings and dents from field service and no cracks. The butt plate and trigger guard as well as the lock escutcheon are made of brass. Brass surfaces are turning to a mellow plum patina. Marked on the butt plate and the right side of the barrel is: "GR. 7. 9. 41." which is Austrian and means 7th Guard Regiment. 9th company. 41st man. Both sling swivels are present as is the original ramrod.

With the weapon is a massive sword socket bayonet that fits the weapon perfectly and has the identical surface. The initials "T W B" are carved into the cheek rest of the stock and for my money I would suggest this is a Confederate. Locking ring functions but is worn and loose.

A nice-looking example of a classic. [pe][ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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