Rare Franz von Dreyse Side Pivot Double Barrel Combination Gun Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
LSB#: WY250310TW040
Make: Franz von Dreyse
Model: Side Pivot Double Barrel Combination Gun
Serial Number: NSNV
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1870s
Caliber: Proprietary Needle Fire Cartridge Left Barrel – Smoothbore Right Barrel – Rifled
Action Type: Side Pivot Break Action, Double Barrel
Markings: The top of the rib is marked “FRANZ VON DREYSE SÖMMERDA”. The bottom of the barrel is marked 8669. The receiver has silver inlaid engravings. The breech lever is engraved and has a scene with a silver hare.
Barrel Length: 26 1/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a folding express sight mounted to the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece walnut with a checkered straight grip, straight comb with cheek piece, horn trigger guard, and a steel buttplate. The LOP measures 14 1/2″ and 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the smooth steel buttplate. There are moderate handling marks throughout, with scattered dings, nicks, and small scratches. There is some darkening and finish loss from age and use. Checkering is present on the wrist and still mostly sharp. There are no cracks observed. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: single-shot breechloading design.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are bright, the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows general wear from age, with thinning and oxidation on the barrel, light scattered areas of freckling, and patina developing over time. The screw heads are lightly tooled with serviceable slots. The pins are unmarred. The markings are sharp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The locking mechanism is tight and the hammers hold at full cock. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This Franz von Dreyse side-pivot combination gun is a fascinating piece of 19th-century European gunmaking. Dreyse, known for pioneering the needle-fire rifle, later produced high-quality sporting arms like this one. The gun’s unique configuration—featuring a smoothbore barrel for shot and a rifled barrel chambered for a proprietary needle fire cartridge—speaks to its intended versatility in the field.
Dreyse’s needle fire system, originally conceived for military use, was later adapted into sporting arms for the discerning hunter. The use of a proprietary cartridge makes this a remarkable collector’s item, showcasing the transition from percussion to early cartridge technologies in the black powder era. The engineering of the side pivot break action and the pairing of rifled and smoothbore barrels offer both historical and technical intrigue.
This antique firearm is perfect for collectors interested in early breechloading systems or German arms innovation. With its strong bores, functional mechanics, and character-rich finish, it’s a rare opportunity to own a true piece of firearms history, complete with the distinctive craftsmanship of Franz von Dreyse. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
