(A) FINE ENGRAVED DREYSE KUFAHL NEEDLE-FIRE DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER.

This highly interesting double action, striker fired revolver was is based on George Kufahl's 1852 patent and produced by Dreyse using his revolutionary needle-fire system. They were produced circa 1860-1880. Although not adopted for widespread military use, some were procured by secondary border guard units and police forces. This example has the "v. Dreyse Soemmerda" address on the top flat indicating it was produced prior to the death of Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse in late 1867. It has a high polished blue swamped octagon, which rises towards the muzzle as a base for the drift adjustable nitre blued front sight. A fixed v-notch rear sight its integral with the top strap. The frame, cylinder pin lever, and trigger guard are engraved with foliate scroll. Left side of the frame has the serial number, the right marked with "Cal: 0,35" 12 Gran Pulv." loading. The octagonal rear section of the frame that holds the striker assembly has lovely silver inlaid scroll and wedding band decorations. Checkered 1-piece walnut grip terminating with a lanyard loop at the pommel. Gun is housed in a cotemporary partitioned wood display case. Is also accompanied by contemporary loading tool, rod, and turnscrew. CONDITION: Excellent for its age. Frame and barrel retain approximately 80-90% original blue with some wear at the high edges and scattered spotting and marks. Cylinder also retains the majority of its blue, faded somewhat overall with a turn line and wear. Grip has some scattered impressions. Bright, well defined 4-grooved rifled barrel. Revolver cycles appropriately although the needle is broken. Case lid is currently detached and warped, although is otherwise good, displaying well.

Name

Value

Accessories

Case, Accessories

Barrel Length

4 - 1/4"

Caliber/Bore

.35 Zoll Needle-Fire

FFL Status

Antique

Manufacturer

Dreyse