Original item: One Only. This is an Exceptionally RARE Prussian Bayonet, made for the M-1854 Dreyse Needlefire Jäger Rifle. The Zündnadelgewehr (ignition needle rifle) was the invention of Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse, a German gunsmith from the Prussian region. This design was the first breech loading firearm design to use bolt-action to open and close the chamber. The design was use during the middle portion of the 19th century, when the M1854 Dreyse Jäger model was put into service. This design is based on Hirschfänger (Deer Catcher) long hunting daggers in use in the German area for centuries, and was the perfect thing for a Jäger (Hunter) Unit. For more information please see Watts & White's fine work THE BAYONET BOOK, Page 111, Item 241.

This bayonet for the M1854 Jäger rifle in very good condition, and features a "quill back" blade about 19 1/2 inches long, with an overall length of 24 1/2 inches. The grips are checkered leather, and it has a lovely "bird's head" pommel with an intact and functional bayonet latch. It also features an "s" shaped crossguard.

The ricasso on one side is marked with acceptance marking CROWN / W / 70, for Wilhelm I, who had would reign as King of Prussia from 1861 until his death in 1888. This indicates acceptance in 1870, one year before Wilhelm would become the first German Emperor. There is also a CROWN / S under this marking, which could be for the Kingdom of Saxony.

As this bayonet was made just one year before the introduction of the Mauser model 1871 rifle, it was still quite new when the Dreyse rifle was made obsolete. Not to waste a good bayonet, the muzzle ring had a bushing installed to reduce the diameter from .855" to .680". It now properly fits a model 1871, and will not fit the Dreyse needle gun anymore.

The cross guard is also marked with a crossed out regimental marking 12. J. 3. 57., for the Royal Saxon Jägerbattalion No.12, 3rd Squadron, 57th Weapon. This is exactly the type of regimental marking that this bayonet should have.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the P.D. Lüneschloss simplified address:

This well-known company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss, and produced numerous edged weapons, both for domestic and foreign contracts. They manufactured many private purchase officer's swords and blades for the U.S. Civil war. This marking was particularly used during the Third Reich period on walking out bayonets, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

This is a truly great collector's opportunity to purchase a very good condition rare bayonet made by a maker from the most famous edged weapon making region of Germany.

Ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 19 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edge Sword with "Quill Back"
Overall length: 24 1/2"
Crossguard: 4 1/4"
Scabbard Length: 20 1/8"