This is an extremely rare and very early Dreyse Needle Fire Model 1862 single shot rifle. This rifle along with the French Chassepot-Mauser rifle are the very early predecessor to the standard Mauser rifles that were manufactured from the mid 1850s through WWII and even in the standard commercial rifle today. The origins of this rare rifle started with the Dreyse needle fire combustible cartridges; which was not very successful but what this rifle did prove was that the bolt action mechanism/design was the true innovation. The needle fire cartridges and action had a weak combustion chamber which allowed gas to escape, which was later corrected by the modification of the bolt and action to use the "Beck" obturating washers in front of the bolt head to prevent gas leakage. This rare rifle has not had that modification, which is unheard of, as all these rifles were modified in the 1870s. Additionally this rare rifle has been arsenal modified by the addition of a triangular shaped ram-rod sliding bayonet under the barrel, almost identical to what was developed for the US Model 1888 Trapdoor rifles, that was later completely abandoned. This actual rifle was manufactured and marked "Spandau Arsenal" on the left side of the receiver and is marked as a "Model 54". The left side of the barrel has the "Crown/FW" proofmark with the top of the barrel stamped with "Suhl". The same of similar "Crown/Script" letter proofs are found on the right side of the receiver, barrel and underside of the bolt handle. As noted the underside of the barrel has the full length triangular sliding bayonet with a double spring loaded steel keepers on the front barrel band. This rifle is fitted with an all steel trigger plate and trigger with brass barrel bands and trigger guard. It is has an original full length walnut stock with two partial Crown/Script letter proofs on the underside behind the trigger guard. Interestingly enough this super rare rifle still has matching numbers on the various parts. The barrel, receiver, front barrel band, buttplate and needle firing pin assembly are all numbered "7903" with the remaining parts bolt, trigger plate, trigger guard, the various action screws, middle and rear barrel band and even the spring loaded sliding bayonet keepers are all numbered "3". The only non-matching part is the entire rear sight assembly, which is made up of two different sights, which is very minor and very rare rifle. The top of the butt plate is stamped with a unit mark of "T.A./117".

Very good overall with the exposed metal surfaces having an old mixed gray/brown patina finish with clear markings. The stock is also fine with a beautiful early light honey colored walnut, that has been cleaned and lightly sanded some time ago however it still retains the correct overall shape of the stock. The proofmarks are visible, with a very slight age crack just starting to shoe on the left side just in front of the buttplate. This is really a once in a life time chance to acquire an extremely rare and early Dreyse single shot rifle.