Rare Dreyse Single Shot Needle Fire Pistol (AH6464)

Baron von Dreyse's needle fire rifle was the first major step toward what we know today as the modern cartridge firearm. In addition to rifles and carbines, he also manufactured pistols, the most common of which is a needle fire revolver. Starting in the 1830s, von Dreyse also manufactured single shot needle fire pistols, the most common of which is the Model 1835 with a side mounted operating lever. This rare single shot Dreyse needle fire pistol may predate the Model 1835. It is operated with a bottom lever which swings the barrel to the side for loading.  The overall length is approx. 15". The approx. 7.75" octagon to round 51 caliber rifled barrel has an excellent bore. The barrel features a cannon muzzle. There is a blade front sight and a fixed notch rear sight. The top of the breech/action is marked v. Dreyse Sommerda (factory name and location). The pistol cocks on opening. The only other marking is the serial number, 4807, located just below the cocking piece. The barrel and action retain approx. 97% of their blue with some spotting on the left flat near the rear sight. The spur trigger guard and operating lever, which may have been case hardened, are now gray. There is some light pitting on the bottom of the trigger guard bow. The stock is fine with light usage dents and dings but no cracks or chips. The action functions correctly. If you collect needle fire guns, especially the Dreyse series of firearms, this single shot Dreyse needle fire pistol is a must.