VERY RARE EXPERIMENTAL DREYSE NEEDLEFIRE M1855 CAVALRY RIFLE.

SN 45. Cal. 25mm. A rare Dreyse Needlefire M1855 Cavalry Zundnadelpikengewehr rifle with a fixed pike bayonet and a unique black leather covered crutch stock. This unusual firearm has a unique turn-screw artillery pattern breechloading system similar to the Dreyse Wall gun, with which it shares the same large caliber and was issued without a wooden stock, but with a soft leather covered buttstock & pistol grip (unnumbered), intended for use on horseback. The rifle is all-matching SN “45”, but there are no government or proof marks anywhere on the piece which is correct for an experimental firearm. SN is marked on all components of the bbl and breech mechanism. A 9″ cruciform spike bayonet is permanently affixed to its muzzle. The rifle is locked for firing by unscrewing the breechpiece, rotating its hinged support mechanism away from the bbl, inserting a paper cartridge into the chamber, rotating the firing mechanism back into the breech and screwing it shut. The weapon is then fired by pulling back on the spring loaded needle cocking piece and pulling the trigger. Recoil is absorbed by the crutch-like butt which rests against the cavalryman’s shoulder or chest. Although this is referred to as the “M1855”, there is no indication of any maker or military user mark on this rifle. Full disassembly & maintenance of this piece will doubtless be learned on a trial and error basis. PROVENANCE: Ex Visser collection. Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Rifle has no finish and may have originally been made in the white. Over the years it has acquired a rusty brown surface with some remaining white. Metal surface remains however in good serviceable condition without major pitting and rust issues. The SN “45” is clearly legible on almost all components. The major condition issues exist with the leather covered padding in buttstock & pistol grip. The pad on the buttstock is of especial concern & needs treatment and cleaning for prior insect infestation. Wormholes exist throughout the length of this extensive pad. Leather is drying and needs cleaning & restorative care. Pike bayonet has a light brown rusty surface, comparable to the rest of the bbl. 4-53095 JJW34 (8,000-15,000) – Lot 1350

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1350	$18,400.00	VERY RARE EXPERIMENTAL DREYSE NEEDLEFIRE M1855 CAVALRY RIFLE. SN 45. Cal. 25mm. A rare Dreyse Needlefire M1855 Cavalry Zundnadelpikengewehr rifle with a fixed pike bayonet and a unique black leather covered crutch stock. This unusual firearm has a unique turn-screw artillery pattern breechloading system similar to the Dreyse Wall gun, with which it shares the same large caliber and was issued without a wooden stock, but with a soft leather covered buttstock & pistol grip (unnumbered), intended for use on horseback. The rifle is all-matching SN “45”, but there are no government or proof marks anywhere on the piece which is correct for an experimental firearm. SN is marked on all components of the bbl and breech mechanism. A 9″ cruciform spike bayonet is permanently affixed to its muzzle. The rifle is locked for firing by unscrewing the breechpiece, rotating its hinged support mechanism away from the bbl, inserting a paper cartridge into the chamber, rotating the firing mechanism back into the breech and screwing it shut. The weapon is then fired by pulling back on the spring loaded needle cocking piece and pulling the trigger. Recoil is absorbed by the crutch-like butt which rests against the cavalryman’s shoulder or chest. Although this is referred to as the “M1855”, there is no indication of any maker or military user mark on this rifle. Full disassembly & maintenance of this piece will doubtless be learned on a trial and error basis. PROVENANCE: Ex Visser collection. Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Rifle has no finish and may have originally been made in the white. Over the years it has acquired a rusty brown surface with some remaining white. Metal surface remains however in good serviceable condition without major pitting and rust issues. The SN “45” is clearly legible on almost all components. The major condition issues exist with the leather covered padding in buttstock & pistol grip. The pad on the buttstock is of especial concern & needs treatment and cleaning for prior insect infestation. Wormholes exist throughout the length of this extensive pad. Leather is drying and needs cleaning & restorative care. Pike bayonet has a light brown rusty surface, comparable to the rest of the bbl. 4-53095 JJW34 (8,000-15,000) – Lot 1350 Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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VERY RARE EXPERIMENTAL DREYSE NEEDLEFIRE M1855 CAVALRY RIFLE.