Lorenz Nipple Thread Size

[Yancey von Yeast, 8073]

What thread size were the original Lorenz nipples? What is the best source? I could only find potsdam nipples in the S & S Catalog.

Thanks!

[Richard Hill]

They were 5/16x18, same as the "real" Parker-Hale guns. The should be readily available.

[Don Dixon]

Potsdam nipples will not fit. They are Prussian vice Austro-Hungarian.

Original government manufactured M1854 Austrian rifles and original P1853 Enfield rifle muskets used essentially the same size nipple, given the problems involved in conversion between inches and "lines." The Austrians didn't use inch measurements, and didn't convert to metric until 1870.

However, some export contract M1854s were made by the contactors to use the standard M1855 Springfield size nipple. The Federals wanted them that way to simply logisitcs. But, they compounded their logistical problems because they ended up with both types in inventory. There is an interesting complaint from the Ohio Adjutant General about nipples blowing out of the guns when his armorers installed the wrong size nipples. In general, if your "Lorenz" has no cheek rest, an unmarked lock plate, and no or few proof/assembly markings on the barrel, it is a contractor manufactured export arm. Some, however, were made from assemblages of surplus parts.

Enfield and Springfield nipples can be obtained from a number of sources (S&S, Dixie, etc.). Bottom line, check fit the replacement nipples carefully.

Regards,
Don Dixon
2881V