G. Lorenz Engraved Spencer--Photos added

[treebeard]

While recently visiting at the Custer Battlefield Museum in Garryowen, MT I was in a discussion with the Director Mr. Kortlander about Spencers and he thought I might be able to help on an inquiry he received from the owner of an M1865 carbine engraved with the Name "G. Lorenz". The owner had been reading the Philbrick book on the Last Stand and there was a reference to a Private George Lorenz who had fought with Reno in the valley fight and was wounded and left behind during the retreat. I think it doubtful that he would have had this during the valley fight
but I think of two possibilities:

1. The Lorenz on the carbine is not the George Lorenz of the 7th.

2. George Lorenz acquired this M1865 at time of the switch to the M1873 trapdoor as a rifle for personal use.

Some of the more expert forum members may have some insight into this. I have not heard of any serial no. data on the M1865's which would be a great field of study for someone with a lot of time to research. I will send photos to Two Flints for posting as I am not successful at adding them to this post.