In 1836 Johann Nikolaus Dreyse, who was later honored with a title making him Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse, revolutionized the world of military firearms by submitting his bolt action “needle rifle” to the Prussian military for testing and trials. Dreyse was born in Sömmerda, Prussia in 1787, and probably developed an interest in making and building things from his father, who was a blacksmith. From 1809-1814 Dreyse worked for the famous Swiss gunmaker Jean-Samuel Pauly, who operated a gun manufactory in Paris. It was there that Dreyse was probably exposed to the concept of breechloading rifles, as Pauly conducted a number of experiments during that time of various breechloading designs. 

Dreyse returned to Prussia after working for Pauly and established a percussion cap manufactory in Sömmerda in 1824. Dreyse was certainly on the cutting edge of the firearms business at the time, as the percussion cap was still nearly two decades from somewhat universal, worldwide acceptance. It was at this time that Dreyse started to experiment with self-contained paper cartridges. While paper cartridges that contained black powder and projectiles had been around for almost two centuries, they all required the use of an external ignition system: either powder in the pan of a flintlock or a percussion cap on the cone (nipple) of the gun. Dreyse developed a paper cartridge that contained not only the bullet and the powder, but also the percussion cap, which was situated at the bottom of the bullet, above the powder charge. Placing the cap in that location allowed the base of the bullet to act as the anvil upon which the cap could be detonated when it was struck. Dreyse also developed a long, needle-like pin that was tensioned by a coiled spring that was effectively the first widely produced firing pin design. 

Initially Dreyse applied these new developments to a muzzleloading firearm design, with the novelty being the self-contained paper cartridge and the needle fire ignition system. This did not, however, provide significant advantages over conventional percussion muzzle loading arms. Then in 1836 he applied the same concepts to his newly designed breechloading rifle that was bolt actuated. This was revolutionary, as it made the gun very fast to load and allowed it to be easily loaded while the shooter was prone, concealed or even on horseback. He submitted his design to the Prussian military, and it was accepted in December of 1840. In 1841 the new infantry rifle was designated the Leichte Perscussions-Gewehr M1841. The name “Light Percussion Rifle M1841” was meant to conceal the revolutionary nature of the new firearm, but by 1855 the term Zündnadelgewehr (Needle Gun) was in general use within the Prussian military. 

The rifle was a 15.4mm (about .61 caliber), single shot, bolt-action breechloader that looked rather like the previous generations of Prussian muzzle loading flintlock and percussion muskets. In fact, at first glance the M/41 looked rather like a bolt action M1809 “Potsdam” musket, as it retained the beech stock, brass barrel bands and general silhouette of the older muskets. In place of the usual percussion lock there was only a stock flat, reminiscent of the counterpane of a percussion musket. The new M/41 was somewhat shorter and lighter than its percussion predecessor with a 33 ½” barrel and a 54” overall length, which had a 41 ¼” barrel and was 56 ½” in overall length. The new rifle could fire 10 to 12 rounds per minute, which was an astounding rate of fire for the time. The muzzle velocity was about 1,000 ft/s and the rifle had an effective range of about 600 yards. This was somewhat shy of the 1,000 yards that the best muzzle loading rifle musket designs of the mid-19^th century were capable of. 

The primary issue was poor gas sealing at the breech, allowing the escape of gasses at that location and reducing the chamber presser and projectile velocity. The other major drawback was the fact that the firing needle had to be very long to reach the primer deep within the paper cartridge, at the base of the projectile. This led to issues with needle breakage and required that the soldiers to carry spare needles with them, as well as to be trained in disassembling the bolt system in the field to replace a broken needle. In an attempt to improve the quality of the M/41, and potentially reduced gas leakage, a new version, the M/62, was adopted in that year. The M/62 retained the 15.4mm caliber, broad 4-groove rifling and the needle fire bolt-action system, but was produced with improved tolerances in an attempt to limit leakage and improve interchangeability. The new rifle also had a slightly shorter, 32 ½” barrel and the “short butt variant” was only 52 ¾” in overall length. The improved version was only slightly better in terms of gas leakage.

Despite the short comings of limited range, gas leakage and needle durability, the amazing rate of fire made the Zündnadelgewehr a fearsome weapon to be encountered by an enemy armed with conventional muzzle loading muskets. The Prussians used the Zündnadelgewehr (both M/41s and M/62s) with devastating effectiveness against the Austrian infantry during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, where observers commented on the fact that a prone Prussian infantryman could fire five rounds in the time it took a standing Austrian infantryman to load his rifle one time. During the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) the superiority of the smaller caliber French M1866 Chassepot Rifle with its obturating bolt was quickly obvious to the Prussian military. The Chassepot’s bullet was fired at a higher pressure and less gas leakage, resulting in greater velocity and range. Thus, a system of modification of existing stocks M/41 and M/62 rifles began. 

The alteration, known as the Beck Conversion, required that a new bolt head be installed on the face of the bolt. This new bolt head was attached with a large screw through the side of the bolt, which is easily visible from the exterior. Additionally, a leather washer was placed between the new bolt head and bolt body, creating an obturator. When the rifle was fired the gas pressure pushed the new bolt head back and expanded the leather washer against the chamber walls, increasing the gas seal, similar to the obturator found in the French Chassepot rifle. This reduced leakage and increased bullet velocity. The Beck system also used modified ammunition with the bullet seated deeper in the papier-mâché sabot, allowing the use of a slightly shorter needle. Nearly every needle rifle found today has the Beck Conversion modification to the bolt. 

The end of the Franco-Prussian was quickly followed by the adoption of the new Mauser designed M/71 bolt action rifle, the first self-contained metallic cartridge rifle to be adopted by the Prussian military. As a result, the M/41 and M/62 needle rifles were quickly relegated to secondary service with the Landwehr (German secondary reserve troops or militia) and all of those guns were wholly obsolete very quickly. However, the Zündnadelgewehr was a groundbreaking weapon that served Prussia’s front-line troops for three decades and remains the first bolt action rifle to see universal issue to the military of any country.

In addition to the standard Infantry model rifles, the M/41 and M/62, the Prussians developed a series of specialty arms. These includes cavalry carbines for use by the mounted service arms, special rifles for the use of the Pioneers (Engineers) and specialty rifles for the Jäegers (Light Infantry). Even within the standard infantry regiments, a special rifle was developed for use of the Fusilier battalions. Within each traditional infantry regiment there was a Musketeer battalion, a Grenedier battalion and a Fusilier battalion. While these designations were somewhat anachronistic by the time the Zündnadelgewehr was adopted, there was still a feeling with the Prussian High Command that a specialty fusilier’s rifle was needed as well. New regiments that were designated specifically as Fusilier Regiments were created in 1860 and with them a new model of Zündnadelgewehr which was designated the M/60 Fusiliergewehr.

The primary advantage of the M/60 was that it was slightly shorter than the standard issue M/41infantry rifle of the period. The M/60 has a nominally 30.11” barrel and an overall length of nominally 51.42” versus the long M/41 with a 35.7” barrel and an overall length of nominally 56”. The M/60 used wedges to retain the barrel rather than barrel bands as used on the M/41 and had a lug for a brass handled saber bayonet on the right side of the barrel, while the M/41 utilized a socket bayonet. The M/60 also had an improved adjustable rear sight. The M/60 also eliminated the cheek rest on the butt, and introduced two slightly different butt lengths, that varied by about 2 cm. These were designated as “L.A” and “K.A” for Langer Anschlag and Kurzer Anschlag (longer neck and shorter neck), allowing the gun to better fit the soldier to which it was issued. Initially the M/60 Fusiliergewhers were issued Fusilier Regiments 33 through 40 in 1860 and during the spring of 1861 it was issued to the Guard Fusilier Regiment. The M/60 was then issued to the 73^rd, 80^th and 86^th Fusilier Regiments. Starting in February of 1868, the M/60 was also issued to the Prussian Royal Navy. Many of the small improvements and minor mechanical innovations, including the two different length butts, were subsequently incorporated into the improved M/62 Infantry Rifle when it was adopted two years later. Production of the M/60 ran from 1860 through about 1869-70 with manufacture halted prior to the Franco Prussian War. The M/60Fusiliergewehr saw its first real combat use during the Danish-Prussian War of 1864 in the hands of the 35^th Fusilier Regiment. It also saw combat during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, in the hands of the eight fusilier regiments that existed at that time, as well as the Guard Fusilier Regiment. By the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871 the number of fusilier regiments had been increased from eight to eleven and the M/60 saw use with all of them, as well as the Saxon Fusilier Regiment. The M/60 remained in service with the fusilier regiments until the new M/71Mauser Rifle started to replace the M/60 during the mid-1870s. As noted, the M/60 saw service with the Prussian Navy as well, in particular the Seebattalion (Sea Battalion) which was the Prussian equivalent to marines. The Seebattalion was established on May 13, 1852, and its primary duty was much like modern US Navy Fleet Marines, to provide security and discipline on naval ships. However, like most marine troops, the Seebattalion also deployed for amphibious landings and shore incursions.

Offered here is a solid example of a Prussian M/60 Fusiliergewher marked to the Prussian Seebattalion and made at the Danzig Arsenal. The rifle remains in VERY GOOD overall condition and is all complete and correct except for the leather obturating washer that is missing from the Bech Conversion modified bolt. As noted, the rifle was manufactured at the Prussian national arsenal at Danzig and is marked with the {Spread-Winged Eagle} of King Frederick Wilhelm IV on the upper left angled flat of the receiver, over the word DANZIG. On the left flat, below the arsenal mark is the model marking F. G. Mod: 60 in Gothic script, which indicates that this is the Fusilier Rifle Model 1860. The upper angled receiver flat on the right side is marked with the year of manufacture, 1861 and with the year of issue, 1862. The rifle is serial number 5154, and the full serial number is present on the left reward portion of the barrel where it meets the receiver, as well as on the larger screw heads. The barrel additionally bears a series of crown over Gothic letter proof marks on the right side of the receive and the barrel at the breech. The top of the barrel is marked Stahl (steel) behind the rear sight and the left angled flat has the bore diameter of 585, or .585”. Unlike later production needle rifles, this model does not have serial numbers on every major part. However, the cocking piece is numbered 3726, which does not match the rifle’s serial number. However, this is not uncommon as military rifles were often rebuilt and refurbished during their service lives. The brass and iron furniture essentially all bear Prussian inspection marks. The top of the iron buttplate is unit marked S.B. 2.40 indicating that the rifle was issued to the Seebattalion, 2^nd Company, Weapon Number 40. The buttplate is very crusty with oxidation and some pitting, typical of a 19^th century naval weapon and the marking is hard to see and was essentially impossible to photograph well due to the lack of contrast. As mentioned, a plethora of Prussian inspection and proof marks are clearly stamped on the right side of the receiver and barrel. Numerous inspection marks are present in the stock as well, both underneath and on the obverse butt. The typical {CROWN}/FW mark of King Frederick Wilhelm IV is present on the obverse butt but is somewhat weak due to some stock wear. Other inspection marks in the wood are also less than crisp and difficult to read.

The rifle is in VERY GOOD condition. It retains no finish on the barrel and has a medium dull gray steel patina with mottled surface oxidation and discoloration scattered overall of the steel surfaces. The buttplate is thickly oxidized and rusted, likely indicating some time being stored in a damp environment. Despite the mottled oxidation and discoloration, the metal on the barrel, receiver and bolt remains almost entirely smooth, with only some lightly scattered pinpricking here and there. The bore of the rifle is in FINE condition and remains mostly bright with some scattered oxidation and light pitting and with very crisp four-groove rifling. The bolt action mechanism functions correctly, as does the cocking mechanism. The bolt shows the Beck bolt face conversion that nearly all Zündnadelgewehrs underwent during the late 1860s and early 1870s in an attempt to improve the gas sealing properties of the design. The rifle retains its original rear sight with the fixed block, small folding rear leaf and long range adjustable folding front leaf with sliding elevator. The sight retains some strong traces of its original blued finish, scattered on the metal which has a dark, smoky gray patina. The original barleycorn front sight blade is in place on top of the barrel, near the muzzle and the saber bayonet lug is present on the side of the barrel. The original cleaning and clearing rod is present in the channel under barrel and appears to be full length but is tightly secured in the channel and I could not remove it from the stock. The brass furniture has a wonderful, untouched dark patina that shows no indication of having been cleaned. The original upper sling swivel is in place in the middle of the stock and the lower swivel is in place on the front of the triggerguard bow. The stock of the rifle is in about VERY GOOD overall condition as well. The stock I solid and full-length and appears uncleaned. The wood may have been lightly sanded very long ago, but the wear to the markings in the stock may be the result of age and wear.  The wear and the condition of the stock match the rifle perfectly and I am sure they have been together since the period of use. The stock does have a couple of minor condition issues worth noting. There is a small grain crack in the obverse butt, emanating from the buttplate that is about 1” long. There is also a small sliver of wood missing from the upper edge of the obverse stock, forward of the saber bayonet lug. This narrow sliver is about 2” long, and rather minor, but mentioned for accuracy. There are some tiny areas of chipped loss around the stock pins, but otherwise the wood shows the expected bumps, dings and mars of service that any rifle that has at least a decade long military career in the mid-19^th century would certainly show. An old auction label, likely from the 1950s or 1960s is on the obverse butt from the firm of O. Rundle Gilbert of Garrison and Hudson, NY. Gilbert is probably most famous for acquiring the collection of Patent Office 19^thcentury patent models that they still held in storage for $2,500 in 1941. It is believed that he acquired some 100,000 antique patent models with that purchase.

Overall, this is a solid example of one of the less common Zündnadelgewehr models to be produced by the Prussians prior to German unification. This early production rifle may well have seen service in all of the major Prussian conflicts from 1862 through 1871 and is unit marked to the Seebattalion, where is saw service after these rifles were issue to the German Navy in 1868.  Seebattalion markings are quite uncommon, making this a prime addition to a collection of 19^thcentury German naval small arms. The rifle was also produced at the Danzig Arsenal, one of the less commonly encountered arsenal markings. Danzig was the German name for the Polish city of Gdansk. The city was controlled by the Kingdom of Prussia from 1793-1806, and again from 1815-1919. The rifle would be wonderful addition to any serious collection of Prussian military arms, Franco-Prussian War weapons or even a collection of German military rifles, as the  Zündnadelgewehr was the first “modern”, bolt action rifle to see service with German military units. I have no doubt you will enjoy adding this rifle to your collection.