(A) RARE DREYSE FAUCET ACTION NEEDLE FIRE CARBINE.

An improvement on Dreyse's earliest designs which were loaded from the muzzle, this example incorporates a faucet breech mechanism as were developed circa 1830s. Despite their obsolescence with the introduction of the Dreyse bolt action around 1840, there is some speculation that these carbines were actually made circa 1860s as ladies' indoor target rifles by Franz Dreyse. This example is unsigned. Octagon barrel with dovetailed blade front sight and adjustable rear. Right side of the action is marked with the proper load "Cal. 0,34" / 6 Gran Pulver", the caliber measured in Prussian Zoll. Nicely figured European walnut stock with checkered grip and Germanic cheek piece. Stock has rather small dimensions and no butt plate mounted, appear unshortened. A sling eyes is mounted to the toe line, the barrel shows evidence that an eye was also mounted at some point, now no longer present. CONDITION: Very Good. Barrel has a mottled gray patina with some oxidation spotting. Stock has dings and nicks throughout, as well as a few small chips. Defined 4-groove bore with some abrasion. Fine mechanics.

Name

Value

Barrel Length

14 - 3/4"

Caliber/Bore

.34 Zoll Needle Fire (.38)

FFL Status

Antique

Manufacturer

Dreyse

Model

1835