Rare DREYSE NEEDLE FIRE Shotgun PRUSSIAN Antique Double Barrel SxS 16 Gauge c1850s Predecessor to the Centerfire System!

Product Description

Rare DREYSE NEEDLE FIRE Shotgun PRUSSIAN Antique Double Barrel SxS 16 Gauge

c1850s Predecessor to the Centerfire System!

Here we have an antique Prussian Nikolaus v. Dreyse Double Barrel Side by Side Shotgun manufactured in Sommerda, Prussia circa the mid-1850s. After conducting multiple experiments beginning in 1824, Prussian gunsmith Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse in 1836 produced the first complete needle fire gun and founded a firearms factory in the town. More importantly, however, he advanced the technological concept of a self-primed cartridge that would be ignited with a pin or needle, presaging the modern centerfire method we still enjoy today.

This rare example is a high-quality double barrel 16 bore shotgun using the needle fire system developed by Dreyse whose Needle fire rifle was used by the Prussian army from the early 1840s until 1871.

This beautiful shotgun features barrels signed on the rib and opened by a horn rotary underlever, trigger guard, and butt plate. It has some light engraving throughout with modest inlays on the tops of the barrels. The stock is one piece and has a distinctive drop with an exaggerated cheek rest on top of the comb to make up the difference.

Swiveling the lever cams the barrels away from the breech face and then pivots them approximately 20 degrees, while pushing the extractor outward. Once loaded, returning the lever to the original position replaces the barrels and closes the breech. This whole operation also cocks both firing needles, which is apparent on the exterior as the backs of the needle assembly protrudes noticeably. The front trigger works the right barrel and the rear trigger the left.

The overall condition is fine. Original blue finish and inlays. Sharp engravings throughout. Excellent actions. Bright, smooth bores with slight spotting near the breech. The stock is smooth and solid with a nice dark finish. A chip is missing from the toe of the buttstock. This is a rare opportunity to own a Dreyse needle-fire shotgun—a firearm of historical technological importance!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 29 inches.

Caliber: 16 Gauge

Chambers: 2-3/4 inch

LOP: 13 inches

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

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$4435
#210413