Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely patinated example of one of the more rarely encountered imported long arms used during the American Civil War. Just under 29,000 Saxon (Dresden) rifles and rifle muskets were imported by the U.S. during the war, with Union purchasing agent George Schuyler obtaining 27,055 for the US government in Dresden and the balance of 1,740 being purchased by Marcellus Hartley. These guns are instantly identifiable in period images due to their distinctive double-strapped middle barrel band.

According to ordnance records, the gun came in two models, the M-1851 with a 37.125” barrel and the M-1857 with a 40.25” barrel. The ordnance records only specifically refer to 236 of Hartley’s purchases being of the Short Dresden Rifle variety. Existing examples of the shorter rifle are very rarely encountered. Interestingly, the Dresden rifle was one of the very few European imports rated as “First Class’ by the U.S. Ordnance Department. Records show that these guns were issued 44th & 55th Illinois, 9th Iowa, 22nd & 30th Wisconsin and the 56th Ohio infantry.

This is one of those rarely encountered M-1851 rifles with the shorter 37 1/8" barrel, and it is correctly marked on the back action lock by by the maker of these in Belgium:

P.J. MALHERBE & CIE
A LIÈGE

Both the M-1851 & the M-1857 had .58 caliber bores, rifled with four grooves and had a rear site with a fixed 200 yard block and two flip-up site leaves that were calibrated for 400 and 600 yards, respectively. This example has unfortunately lost the rear sight completely, though the dovetail still remains. We checked the bore, and it still shows clear four groove rifling, and it is in the correct .58 caliber, which would utilize the standard Minié ball in use by Federal forces. The interior of the bore is partly bright and has been cleaned, though there is a bit of past oxidation present, as well as wear.

The rifle is marked on the left facet of the barrel nocks form with serial number 14588, which is also faintly stamped on the rear left of the butt stock by the butt plate. Both parts of the trigger guard, the butt plate, the barrel bands, and many of the screws are marked with shortened number 588, so we do not believe that any parts have been swapped out over the years.

The rifle definitely does show wear from service, with the metalwork displaying a peppered patina overall.  The lock is functional, holding properly at half cock and firing at full, however the half-cock position is so close to the cap nipple cone that it is unusable. There are various markings on the metalwork and stock that could definitely be avenues of future research. The stock is in is in lovely condition. showing the expected dents, dings, scratches, and other wear from use in service. It does not show any major restoration or damage, and has a lovely red brown color overall. The cheek piece on the left side of the stock is still in great shape. All of the fittings are still tightly attached to the stock, with moveable sling swivels, though the original ramrod is unfortunately missing. 

A lovely example of an early percussion rifle design from Germany, made in Belgium and almost certainly imported for the U.S. Civil War. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1860
Caliber: .58" with four-groove rifling
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 37 1/8 inches
Overall Length: 52 5/8 inches
Action: Side Action Percussion Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.