German, Prussian M1862 Infantry Needle Gun & Bayonet, IR 67 1868
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $2995.00

Original era manufacture. When first introduced, the Prussian M1841 Needle Gun, or Zundnadelgewehr, revolutionized warfare on the European continent, placing in the hands of the Royal Prussian army a war-winning weapon. It became the first mass-produced, breech loading, bolt action rifle adopted by any nation. It proved it's worth during therevolutions of 1848, the War withDenmark in 1864, and with devastating effect during the Bruderkrieg of 1866against Imperial Austria and the Southern German Confederacy.In 1862 the Prussian military introduced a slightly shorter, lighter version of the venerable M1841, retaining the same caliber and ammunition type. All was well until the French Army adopted the M1866 Chassepot, their version of a bolt action, single shot rifle, with an effective range nearly three times greater than the outdated PrussianNeedle Gun. Thisexample is from our collection, one of two, and is being offered to help defray the expenses ofnew purchases.It was produced by Spandau in 1868,with Beck modification improvements adopted in March of 1870. Brown finished barrel with a bright receiver, brass barrel bands and trigger guard, with a steel buttplate. Heavy rifling in the barrel, and viewing the muzzle it gives the impression that the Prussians were firing square shaped bullets. The Beck's modifications are visible in the form of an extended rear sight for greater range, and a modified bolt head, indicated by the steel screw in the bolt body. At one time there would have been a rubber or leather washer in the bolt face in an attempt to increase chamber pressure. The serial number4954, or 54, can be seen on all of the steel fittings except the bolt, perhaps switched out when the modification process was being done. On the left side of the original finish stock face are numerous Prussian proof marks including the letters LA, indicating that this is the longer pattern stock, instead of KA, for shorter examples. On the top of the Buttplate are regimental markings for IR 67.3.204. (Magdeburg Infantry Regiment 67, 3rd Company, 204th Weapon).There is an old repair in the stock to a thin crack near the left side of the breech. It measures about four inches in length, curving around the base of the breech. It's an old repair and it is not going anywhere,and blends in very nicely.The bolt mechanism works properly, the needle is intact, and you can open and close the action, push-in the firing pin and pull the trigger. The rifle is solid, very clean, the stock edges are sharp and the markings very clear.Also included is a bright finished Prussian bayonet which slides effortlessly on and off the muzzle, numerous Prussian proof marks onthe base of the blade.