German, Franco-Prussian War, M1862 Dreyse Needle Gun & Bayonet, Spandau 1867
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $2450.00

Original period manufacture. The improved Infantry pattern rifle, caliber 15.4 mm, adopted in 1862 to replace the ground breaking 1841 Needle Gun. This rifle is from our own collection and comes with a period correct bayonet which fits the rifle as it should. All of the metal is in the white except for the nose cap, barrel bands, and trigger guard which are brass. The serial number 4286, or 86,  can be seen on the barrel, receiver, bolt body, bolt lock, front leaf of the rear sight, butt plate screw and trigger guard screw. The rear leaf of the rear sight bears a different number, the stock although well marked, does not display a serial number, typically they do not. The bore is dark but exhibits very strong rifling. There are numerous German crown proofs on the receiver in addition to a rather worn Spandau winged eagle. Two dates, 1867 and 1868 are visible on the right side of the receiver. The stock has been refinished at some point in the past however the proofs on the right side of the stock face, to include the stock length lettering (KA for short) are clearly visible. Additional crown proofs can be seen on the bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard. There is a repaired crack in the wood running diagonally from the back of the rear guard towards the trigger guard. This measures roughly 8 inches in length but does not appear to be going anywhere. Both steel sling swivels are present, along with a proper cleaning rod. The bolt operates properly and with the spring pushed in the firing pin is easily unscrewed for inspection.  The bayonet is also finished in the white with the only markings being the deeply stamped letters JHS in the base of the blade. It measures 22,75 inches overall, with a 19.5 inch blade. The socket slips over the muzzle easily, turns smoothly and locks in position with no issues.  On the top of the butt plate are unit markings which read, G.R.7.3.70, which tell us that this weapon was issued to Grenadier Regiment Nr. 7 (2nd West Prussian) 3rd Company, 70th Weapon. During the 1870-71 War, this regiment served with the German III Army, commanded by His Royal Highness, Friedrich-Wilhelm, Crown Prince of Prussia, Vth Army Corps, 9th Infantry Division, 18th Infantry Brigade, and was commanded by Oberst von Kothen. Quite likely this weapon would have seen combat through all of the early battles in the war, including Wissembourg, Worth and Sedan and later the Siege of Paris.