March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/17/2022
Model 57 needle gun (Zundnadelgewehr) cavalry carbine manufactured at the Adolph Krause factory in Herzberg, Saxony in 1870. Left side of receiver is stamped "Herzberg/ Mod: 57.", with the right side being stamped "1870", indicating the year of manufacture. Top of barrel is stamped "Stahl" with a crown/FW stamp for Kaiser Wilhelm I. Right side of receiver and barrel bear Prussian arsenal proofs, with small arsenal proofs found on most external components in the usual Prussian manner. Right side of buttstock bears 2 large crown proofs, with additional proofs present on the bottom. Needle firing pin is intact and sling suspension rings are present. All visible external numbers are matching. No unit markings are present. CONDITION: Metal components retain a mottled grey and brown patina overall, exhibiting some small scattered areas of cleaned oxidation overall. Arsenal stamps and proofs are sharp and legible. Brass components retain a pleasing mustard patina. Bore is very bright, exhibiting a layer of what appears to be old grease and retaining well-defined 4-groove rifling throughout. Stock shows some signs of shrinkage and exhibits scattered handling marks and impressions overall but is otherwise sturdy and serviceable. A nice example of a very scarce and early Dreyse needle gun carbine. MLW & WEZ