This is an exceptional example of an engraved Dreyse double barrel shotgun manufactured in the early 1890s. The barrels are finished brown, the trigger guard blue and the remaining metal is casehardened. The Rose Damascus barrels on this shotgun are probably the most beautiful we have seen to date, exhibiting a raised textured pattern the entire length of the barrels and on the center rib itself, with a single gold inlaid band around the breech end and marked in gold inlay "F.V. DREYSE SOMMERDA" on the rib. The side lock back action, side plates, hammers, break lever, forearm latch assembly and trigger guard feature fine English scroll engraving with a geometric bordering which has been continued on around the butt plate screws. Single brass bead sight, single cross bolt, double triggers with the right barrel trigger being a set trigger and checkered splinter forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a cheek piece, steel buttplate and sling swivels. 2 1/2" chambers and a 13 7/8" pull from the front trigger. This lot is complete with a second barrel "Cape" gun set that is chambered 12 ga/45 cal round. The chamber dimensions for the rifle cartridge case are approximately 2 1/2 inches long and of 45 cal bore, with a fairly slow twist. The second barrel set is all blued and appears to be made of modern steel that is proofed on the underside with a small circled "FvDS". The breech end of the barrels have a single gold band and the top rib is engraved, "F.V. DREYSE SOMMREDA" and is also gold wire filled. It is fitted with a two position rear and a silver blade front sight.

Very fine. The barrels retain most of the original raised fancy brown rose damascus pattern. The trigger guard retains approximately 50% of the original blue finish mixed with smooth gray patina. The receiver, side plates, hammers and buttplate retain approximately 60-70% of the original bright case colors with the bottom of the receiver fading to a smooth gray. The second barrel set retains 98% of a rust blued finish and is serial numbered to match the receiver. The wood is fine with several min or bruises on the forearm checkering, a few on the wrist checkering and some scattered minor dents and dings on the stock. The etching and engraving remains crisp and clear. Mechanically fine.