April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Very rare and unusual Italian Model 1844/67 Needle-Fire carbine with 24 inch rifled barrel with sabre bayonet lug attachment. The unique Doersch-Baumgarten system allowed the Italians to economically convert their existing muzzle loaders to the new self contained paper needle fire cartridges. These unique conversions have a decoking mechanism designed into the bolt and bolt lock system as well. These carbines were utilized by Border Guards while the longer variations were issued to Infantry. One piece walnut stock with brass retaining bands and trigger guard. Smooth steel butt plate. A shadow of the arsenal cartouche is evident on the right side of the butt stock but is not legible. A rack number (S 847) is stamped into the butt as well. The barrel, action, and small components have a tinned or nickel finish that appears to be period to the gun. CONDITION: Good as found. The bore is very good with strong rifling. The action is somewhat sticky and is believed to need a detail cleaning. The stock is full sized but is dry and needs a good oiling. The tinned finish is very good with over 90% remaining with losses at high points and edges. The brass has turned a mellow mustard coloring. The wiping rod is very fine and is believed to be a possible contemporary replacement. A very rare and uncommon needle fire rifle that very few collectors have ever seen outside of books.
Caliber/Bore
.69 Needle Fire
Model
1844/67 Carcano Needle Fire