The cartridge loading Dreyse bolt action rifle was a revolutionary step in small arms development. Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse's (1787-1867) design was adopted by the Prussian army in 1841 as a needlefire using paper contained cartridges, and sporting variants followed soon thereafter, with this example being chambered for use with metallic centerfire cartridges. These Dreyse sporting rifles are among the first modern bolt action sporting rifles. The barrel has a pair of silver bands at the muzzle, an adjustable winged post front sight, empty rear sight dovetail, and "F. v. DREYSE SÖMMERDA" in silver towards the breech. The former indicates it was manufactured under Franz von Dreyse (1822 -1894), the son of the needlefire gun inventor. The receiver has "PATENT" in silver inlay on top and scroll engraving. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers and has floral scroll engraved furniture, including a nicely sculpted scrolling trigger guard and single hook buttplate. The wrist has a golden "furstenkrone/FW" monogram suggesting the rifle was made for a German prince. The Schnabel tip half-stock has a multi-point checkered wrist and large cheekpiece. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Fine with 50% plus of the original plum blue finish remaining, mostly silver-gray patina on the bolt and furniture, some minor oxidation, general light scratches and minor marks, and mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some worn spots in the otherwise crisp checkering, scattered dings and scratches, and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.