Quote:
Not a Dreyse.. But nice!
http://jamesdjulia.com/item/2298-369/
NUSUAL, HIGH QUALITY H.G. REIF (LEIPZIG) BOXLOCK NEEDLE FIRE MUZZLELOADING SHOTGUN.
SN NSN. Cal. 16 ga. .675 Bore diameter. This fine German creation appears to be based on Abraham Adolph Moser’s early muzzleloading needle fire patent, and has 31″ fine etched Damascus bbls with makers name “H. G. Reif in Leipzig” gold inlaid on raised, flat rib within silver inlaid scroll terminated device. There are inlaid gold bands and arabesque scroll at breech ends. The action consists of a pivoting lever with rotating silver knob mounted in forend, which when swung to the rear retracts long needle firing pins and cocks boxlock type internal hammers mounted above trigger plate. Action has pin type cocking indicators which protrude through breech iron, and studs with notches, one on trigger plate finial, the other in forend, which hold cocking lever in either front or rear position. In forward position mechanism can be fired. In rear position it is “safe”. This gun was made to fire a self contained combustible cartridge, similar to the Dreyse with priming behind projectile. Metal work is embellished with exceptionally fine engraving consisting of gold inlay accented shaded scroll on breech section with hound and hare chase scene on rib extension. Breech iron with more gold inlaid scroll has hunting scene of Jaeger with hound pursuing a fox. A hunting dog is gold inlaid on trigger guard, which has silver inlay of bushes in foreground. There are other gold accents on scrolled trigger guard, operating lever, and trigger plate finial. Steel trigger guard terminates in scroll carved ebony grip. Fine stump figured and lightly marbled European walnut stock features an ebony buttplate with molded sides, right hand cheekpiece, sliding patchbox, and sling button. It is embellished with excellent Germanic carving of acanthus leaves and flowers shaded by checkering at grip and with a greenman/ lion peering from each side panel. A full relief carving of hunting dog and various game is behind cheekpiece framed by acanthus scroll. Forend terminates in stylized wolf’s head with ebony and mother-of-pearl eyes. A brass headed ramrod is held by two plain pipes on bbl, one mounted with broad sling loop. CONDITION: Fine. Metal parts retain an overall brown to gray patina. Stock retains nearly all of its orig varnish finish with numerous minor marks and scratches. There is a small crack in left side panel. Carving shows light wear at grip, but is excellent overall. Cocking pivot base washer is an old replacement, and is loose. An exceptionally interesting German transitional gun of very fine quality, worthy of further study. 4-51429 MGM89 (3,000-5,000) – Lot 2298
a great example
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Re: Dreyse Double