Dryese 1891 double barrel side swing 16ga shot gun with engravings and proof marks. SN # 32320
Hello, this item is a Dryese 16-gauge double-barrel shotgun, model 1891, manufactured in Germany and notable for its side-swing break-action mechanism. The firearm features ornate engravings on the receiver and exhibits proof marks and serial number 32320, which help authenticate its production. Dryese (or Dreyse) was a well-regarded German gunmaker, originally famous for their needle-fire rifles, later producing finely crafted sporting arms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The engraving style and overall craftsmanship suggest it was intended as a higher-quality sporting shotgun, not a mass-market piece.
Condition is a key factor in valuation, and while this example shows some age-related wear to the wood stock and light patina on the metalwork, the engravings remain visible. Collectors value Dreyse shotguns both for their technical design and as examples of German gunmaking artistry. On today’s market, a Dreyse 1891 side-by-side shotgun of this type typically ranges between 1,200 and 2,000 USD depending on condition, completeness, and bore integrity.