April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Invented by gunsmith Johann Von Dryse the needle fire rifle was adopted in 1841 and used primarily until 1873. The revolutionary needle fire was the first bolt action self contained cartridge rifle adopted by a major military power. Prussia (Germany) adopted a number of different variations throughout its history. This variation being offered is the German Border Guard short rifle and is chambered for the standard .61 caliber self contained paper cartridge. 24 inch round barrel with octagon chamber, integral tapered blade front sight with two position folding leaf rear sight. 43 inches overall length with sabre bayonet lug attachment, sling swivels, and single barrel retaining band. Hexagonal receiver is marked F.V. Dryse Sonmerda and is serial numbered 13796 upon right side of chamber with a "W" inspectors marking. One piece wood stock with military smooth steel butt plate with wiping rod beneath barrel and single-shot bolt action operation. CONDITION: Fine as all metal has attained an even dove grey patina. Stock is slightly undersized from age shrinkage. Bore is good with strong rifling with slight darkness in grooves from earlier corrosion. Needle firing pin is not present or is stuck in rearward position (common issue on these rare rifles). Matching numbers found on receiver and bolt no other numbers observed.
Caliber/Bore
61 Neddle fire