November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2021
German mid-19th Century Dreyse Needle Gun (Zundnadelgewehr), of an unknown type. The rifle does not match any of the standard military variants, and a review of German reference books did not yield an exact match. It does, however, share many similarities of the "Bavarian Model Defense Needle Rifle" (Defensions Zundnadelgewehr Bayerisches Model). It is also possible the rifle is a prototype. The rifle has no markings (military, model, manufacturer, caliber, etc.) other than the serial number of "106", which is present on the barrel, rear sight leaf, bolt, and two other bolt components. While the firing "needle" is present and visible when the bolt is disassembled, it appears to have been shorted to fire metallic cartridges, and not the correct paper cartridge it was designed and built for. Two homemade metallic cartridges are included and appear to be live (primers have not been fired). It is unknown as to whether these cartridges will chamber properly. Rifle has a brass trigger guard and three barrel bands. None of the metal components exhibit any finish. Rear sight has two flip-up pieces for extended ranges beyond the standard sight. Removable cleaning rod is present and there is a small 1/4" lug under the barrel. Stock has a slim cheek piece commonly found on the first models of the Needle Gun (Model 41 for example). Barrel exhibits the correct shallow rifling. CONDITION: Overall the rifle is very good. Metal surfaces exhibit a nice patina with very light freckling throughout. Wood stock is dark with light wear, dings, and scattered marks. Bore is relatively bright with some freckling present. Rifle is mechanically sound. WEZ
Accessories
2 Needlefire Rounds
Caliber/Bore
.61 Cartridge