Horst Held-Dreyse Pistols and Revolvers-Degree of Measurement Differences

Horst Held = Antique Handguns

e-mail held@ectisp.net
phone 972-351-8852
541 Lynnie Pennie Lane Midlothian, Texas 76065

Dreyse pistols and revolvers made before 1899. In 1864 Nicolaus Dreyse was knighted and later made weapons show with von = von Dreyse / v. Dreyse.

The measurements are in Rheinische Zoll (= Prussian, German Inches) which about 10% bigger than British Inches. The metric system introduced with the Convention in 1875. Although the metric system was introduced in 1875 and it is used in most countries in the scientific and medical professions, the armed services, and in international relations, some countries still use older measurement systems as well. A student may need to know the metric system to pursue a nursing degree but will need to use the English Units systems for many daily activities.

from John Walter's book, The Rifle Story, page 48

Fabr. v. N. Dreyse / fabricated by Nicolaus Dreyse made needle fire pistol, serial 2018, for loading the left side lever is pushed down opening the breech. 6½" octagonal barrel with dovetail front sight and maker's inscription on the right. the barrel is brown with a little oxidation, the grips are fine, the breech is not working properly.
A rare pistol in very good condition    $3,000.

F. v. DREYSE, SÖMMERDA made needle-fire revolver, serial # 9046, smaller than commonly found caliber 0.30", 3⅜" octagonal barrel with dovetail front sight, frame with vine engraving, silver-inlaid needle sleeve. The maker's inscription on the top of the frame, serial number on the left side, and caliber designation on the right. Crisp checkered grip, the bluing rubbed, some metal parts somewhat stained. Needle is there but shortened. Good working and fine condition.    $6,000.



Franz von Dreyse, Sömmerda, 1860's needle fire revolver, serial # 2128, cal. 0.35 Prussian inches and "12 Gran Pulv.". 4" octagonal barrel with dovetail front sight, mostly grayish. Frame and trigger guard with typical fine vine engraving, checkered walnut grip, lanyard ring. It is common, that the needle is broken. A good description of the type of revolver is in Muster’s Revolver Lexicon, item 51. Scarce in excellent condition like this revolver Early revolver with F. DREYSE, who was knighted in 1864 and then
signed v. DREYSE.
In good working order and in fine condition    $5,500.

action closed

action open for loading

number 7163
M M proof,
normally used for Marine = Navy

Cal. 0,34"
6 Gran Pulver

N. Dreyse, Sömmerda,
1850's needle fire salon pistol, serial # 7163,
cal. 0.34 inches and "6 Gran Pulver",
6¾" octagonal barrel with front sight. One the barrel are proof stamps M M in gothic letters. Half-stocked with channeled grip, furniture typical vine engraved. After pushing part of the action backwards it is possible to lower the right hand side lever to open for loading. After closing and pushing the breech in position there is the holder of the needle looking out reminding of being loaded. With the pull of the trigger the needle hits the paper cartridge. Scarce pistol.
A similar pistol is pictured in Lugs' book Handfeuerwaffen, # 385.
Fine condition     $3,250.

v. DREYSE, serial # 5232, caliber 0.35 Zoll, probably the only known cased revolver
part of my collection and not for sale

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