Prussian model 1839/55 percussion Minie rifle signed Suhl.
£1250 SALE £750
A .70” Prussian model 1839/55 percussion Minie rifle signed Suhl. Percussion lock with heavy hammer of converted flintlock form is engraved to the front of the hammer with a Prussian Royal Crown over Suhl. Walnut stock with cheek piece to the left side has regulation pattern furniture including an iron butt plate, brass trigger guard and three brass spring retained barrel bands the front band incorporating a blade front sight, the mid band with a replacement front sling swivel attached. The left side of the stock struck with Imperial Prussian Crown FW marks and military inspection stamps. Approx .70” Minie rifled barrel with folding rear sight graduated to 1000 meters is struck with an Imperial FW Royal crest to the knox form next to various proof and inspection marks. Originally made for the Prussian army as smooth bore muskets, like most of the early percussion smooth bore weapons adopted in Europe in the 1840’s they were made obsolete within a few years by the development of rifled arms. The adoption by the British of the Pattern 1851 then Pattern 1853 rifles and their devastating use in the Crimean war forced other European nations to upgrade their muskets by rifling their bores and fitting suitable long range sights. The Prussian 39/55 was a very effective conversion and went on to serve the Imperial army until replaced by breech loading Dreyse and then Mauser rifles from the mid 1860’s onwards. In good condition with good bore and mechanics, a nice sharp well Prussian ordnance marked stock and metal surface with light overall pitting. An interesting and rare issue arm to arguably the most important of the Imperial States that went on to join together to become modern Germany.
