Make: Rheinischen Metallwaaren & Maschinenfabrik using the Waffenfabrik von Dreyse trade name

Model: Dreyse-Modell 1907

Serial#: 94175

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1907-1915

Caliber: 7,65mm (.32 ACP)

Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Automatic Blowback Pistol fed by a Detachable Magazine with a Cocking Indicator

Barrel Length: 93mm (3 5/8")

Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the slide at the front of a deep groove. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the top-rear of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grip panels are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with smooth borders. There is a lanyard ring on the left side of the sideplate behind the grip. The right panel has losses around the top edge. The left panel has a crack at the bottom-rear corner. The checkering shows scattered wear, most notable at the bottom of the left panel. There are some light nicks and small scratches. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some some scattered spots of finish wear. There are some spots of oxidation, most notable in the frontstrap. There are some nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box Paperwork and Accessories: The gun comes with a single 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: Louis Schmeisser (ca. 1848-1917) was a highly regarded German arms designer. He was hired by Waffenfabrik von Dreyse in the mid-1890s in order to help develop more innovative firearms. In 1901 Waffenfabrik von Dreyse was acquired by Rheinische Metallwaaren & Maschinenfabrik, but Schmeisser was retained. Among the weapons he developed was the Dreyse M1907, a semi-automatic handgun originally made for commercial sales. Although no longer known as Waffenfabrik von Dreyse, the gun retained the name in honor of Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse the famed German inventor of the first practical bolt-action rifle, the Dreyse Needle Gun.

The gun proved extremely effective and popular, it was adopted for service by both the Imperial German and Austro-Hungarian militaries during WWI and saw extensive use with German police formations. The handgun continued to see service during WWII and was also adopted as a service pistol by the East German Volkspolizei during the 1950s. There was even an order for 30 pistols was supplied to the Swiss Guard (the Vatican’s security service) in 1912 and they retained the pistol until 1990.

This particular specimen is a standard Model 1907 chambered for .32 ACP rounds. It lacks any military markings and was likely sold commercially. The gun has some light handling wear but remains impressive for a pistol made over 100 years ago. The mechanics remain strong and the markings clear. This is a great option for historical firearms collectors. Good luck on your bid!