Make: Franz von Dreyse

Model: Side-Pivot Breech Double Gun

Serial Number: 22947

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1870-1891

Gauge: The gun was almost certainly chambered for a needlefire paper cartridge. The bores are approximately 16 gauge, but the chambers are for a 20 gauge 2 1/2" centerfire cartridge.

Action Type: Bottom Lever Cammed Side-Pivot Breech Manually Cocking Side-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun

Barrel Length: 27”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel rib. There is a non-matching number on the sight and there appears to be a missing insert. The rear sight is a folding "V"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the barrel rib.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece walnut with checkered and carved straight wrist, steel nosecap, carved horn guard, straight comb with cheekpiece (right-handed shooter) steel buttplate with scroll engraving around the mounting screws and a sling swivel in the belly (there is another swivel mounted to the bottom rib in front of the forend. There is a notable crack from the left-rear corner of the top tang, extending down and forward below the action. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are some areas of discoloration and residue build-up. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 3/4" and 13 7/8" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The plate has worn to white with scattered discoloration from oxidation. Overall, the stock is in Good-Very Good condition as Antique

Type of Finish: Browned Damascus & Case Color with Gold & Silver Embellishments

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bores are semi-bright with some scattered minor erosion, infrequent minor pitting, and a few shallow dents visible in the bores. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The case color has mostly muted or gone to a light patina with a little color in well protected areas. The damascus patterning is impressively strong with most browned finish remaining, showing some light wear at edges. There are some light nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique (see Mechanics).

Mechanics: The barrels will not swivel far enough to load a cartridge in the left chamber. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse developed the famous needlefire rifle, contributing to decades of Prussian military dominance in Europe. His son, Franz, would go on to continue the family business, attempting unsuccessfully to improve the needlefire system to keep up with newer metallic cartridges. Franz would develop a few very intriguing operating mechanisms such as this side-pivot breech shotgun. The lever on the bottom of the forend turns a camp plate, causing the barrels to first move forward a short distance and then pivot out to the side, permitting extraction and reloading. Just as intriguing is the cocking mechanism, a block on the rear of the action that is pushed forward to tension the mainsprings. A tab on the rear of this mechanism can be used to release the spring tension without firing or the triggers can be used to drop the firing pins.

This is a gorgeous example, with gold and silver embellishments, engraving, and a carved horn guard. The whole thing just oozes the sort of craftsmanship you can expect in the fine sporting guns of 19th century Germany. Almost certainly originally needlefire, this gun appears to have been converted for use with centerfire cartridges. For those with an interest in Dreyse, european sporting arms, or very interesting and rare operating mechanisms, this is one that just doesn't come around every day. Please see our photos and good luck!