This rifle was originally manufactured as a sporting rifle by August Edward Linzel (1831-1904) of St. Louis and adapted for use with a bayonet during the Civil War. Linzel was one of many German immigrants who came to this country after the failure of the 1848 revolutions in Europe. These guns have been called "Turner rifles" because they are associated with these German immigrants. Many of them were associated with the Turnvereine/Turners movement in Europe and helped establish new clubs throughout the U.S. Given their dedication to democracy and republican government, many were devoted to the preservation of their new country, and over 200,000 foreign born German immigrants served in the Union Army and formed ethnic units in all 17 Union states. Linzel worked as a master gunmaker for Horace E. Dimick as well as independently. In 1869, he moved his family to Little Rock, Arkansas, and continued his trade with his son at his side. The rifle has a blade front sight, stock cut back and a lug attached for mounting a bayonet on the right side of the barrel, Lawrence patent style notch and folding ladder rear sight (sliding elevator absent), "A.E. LINZEL/ST.LOUIS" between a set of arrows on top of the barrel behind the rear sight, double set triggers, unmarked back action lock, iron furniture including a scroll trigger guard, and traditional Germanic full stock with sling swivel and stud, checkering, large cheek piece, horn forend cap, and wooden patchbox.

Very good, with mostly dark brown patina, light oxidation and pitting, and moderate overall wear including smoothing of the checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a fine example of a classic Turner rifle and serves as an important reminder of the contributions in labor, blood, and life that many recent immigrants made to maintain the Union.