Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

[Eutaw Regiment]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

I think there might be some better options coming up on the horizon, though.

Mr. Barry,
Can you elaborate on this tantalizing statement...? :)

[Indianabugles]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

I find this thread much disheartening for Euro Re-enactors, may of whom, due to gun law are forced to get the shotgun (Smoothbore) version due to legislation or be presented with an unnaceptable alternative. I had considered getting a Lorenz to set complete but after this and a web search will now put the idea to bed as by time I have even waded through the legislation I am already spending money I don't have before I see, buy or consider the gun. Sad, and I haven't even looked at shipping yet and non of the stockists around here will do it as a hold.

I too would be interested in knowing what better is ahead and also if purchasing a smoothbore because of legislation is considered unnaceptable here.

[prestontoprail]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

From what I know, the supplier Veteran Arms (www.veteranarms.com) is working on having a reproduction made as we speak. Although the company is mostly a supplier of India made muskets and pistols that lack the detail of the muskets they claim to sell, they supposedley sent a mint condition original Lorenz to an "Italian" source to start making reproductions. Apparently, they will have a prototype sometime soon. I cannot get any detailed information about this from Veteran Arms and it seems strange they would keep the Italian manufacturer secret. I have seen the pictures of the original they sent off and if all comes through nicely, then we just might have the first reproduction musket copied from a sound original (even the Armi '42 has an error on the trigger guard which came from the original they copied). They estimate the pricing of this new Lorenz reproduction to be around 700.00. We all need one of these muskets and wouldn't it be nice if one were made that required NO defarbing. Just imagine. I'm skeptical, of course.....but interested.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

If Veterans Arms hits a $700 pricing point with an Italian made Lorenz repro, I would be pleasantly surprised.
But never say never. I mean for that matter, speaking of possibilities there are always joint projects going on.

I do know of one other Lorenz project in the beginning phases, but some of these come to fruition and others don't.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

I have grown tired of the circular nature of those who know anything about these wall decorator non-guns, versus they are "good or close enough" for reenacting for the price argument and are fine and are safe because only one "blew up."

And said nothing.

:)

Plus it puts a strain on the moderators as it is policy not to discuss them as they violate Rule Number 3: "No Farbery."

I'm going to have to echo Curt's statement here. As a moderator, discussion of these India/Paki muskets is a clear violation of the "No Farbery" rule.

With the vehemence with which members of this site have argued against the use of latex paint, it is laughably sad that folks would advocate using non-firearms that are accurate reproductions of nothing. Any such posts will result in closure and/or deletion of this thread.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

Well, there you go. I guess we can close this one down...

[Indianabugles]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

Am I to take the Moderator response that these smoothbores are Farbery. I am alarmed. It will now take nearly every reenactor in the UK half a decade as it did with me to even consider getting the paperwork to have a correct rifled gun, and thats if they can!! Any suggestions.

[Craig L Barry]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

I think Wickett and Curt are simply saying that across the pond in the Colonies, we can do a bit better than
that (at the moment) and there are plenty of internet forums out there to discuss "how low can you go" with
the gaspipe/teakwood India-made muskets. In this small enclave of the information superhighway, it is our
collective wish to concentrate on "getting it right" rather than all the reproductions of 1860s material culture
that fail that simple test.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

In this small enclave of the information superhighway, it is our
collective wish to concentrate on "getting it right" rather than all the reproductions of 1860s material culture
that fail that simple test.

Well said, Craig. When you look at the minutae that we debate on these fora, the area of historically-accurate firearms have been given a "pass". Italian reproductions, whether "out of the box" or with refinished wood and/or remarked metal and/or wood have been the lowest common denominator of authenticity.

To lower that standard even further is out of step with the mission of this site. While I regret that this may inconvenience some of our members, we have to draw a line somewhere.

[JimKindred]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

Am I to take the Moderator response that these smoothbores are Farbery. I am alarmed. It will now take nearly every reenactor in the UK half a decade as it did with me to even consider getting the paperwork to have a correct rifled gun, and thats if they can!! Any suggestions.

The discussion regarding the authenticity of the smoothbore barrels and the situation in the UK are two entirely different subjects. The UK situation is best discussed on a UK specific forum.

[Eutaw Regiment]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

Thanks Preston and Craig for the further information! Maybe there is reason to hope that an accurate Lorenz will finally see the light of day...

[talkToTheHat]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

I find it interesting that moving serial numbers and proof marks to a less visible position is a huge priority and that their remaining somewhere on the gun is accepted as a legal concession, yet as soon as someone mentions smoothbores for legal reasons they get jumped on and the f word goes flying around. I do not know if this is plain double standards or an excuse for hatred of the British. Some of us put massive amounts of effort and cash into being the best we can be, and if the only fault you can find in one of our impressions can only be seen at the risk of sever facial burns then I think we're doing ok.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: Makers of repro Lorenz muskets?

We pick and choose those elements of our impression that are the most important and/or interesting to us and those are the ones we focus on. Good people on both sides of the pond disagree about what is "good enough".

However, a warning issued must be a warning upheld. The line has been crossed, so the thread is now closed.
(FWIW, I have never seen nor heard anyone badmouthing British reenactors anywhere in the hobby. We appreciate your interest in our history and the dedication many of you bring to the hobby. The hobby is not inexpensive, but being forced to purchase many items from across an ocean adds an another burden... I know because I've ordered several items from overseas. However, be aware that many of us put a lot of time, money, and sweat-equity into our impressions)