One of my readers purchased an antique rifle which turned out to be a rare Spanish needle gun. Needle guns are so named because the firing pin it literally a very long needle. The needle is needed because the primer sits at the base of the bullet. The needle must penetrates the paper cartridge and the powder before it can hit the primer.

The guns inscription reads …

“PRIVILITEO DE INVENCION
SORIANO LO INVENTO MADRID”
“Ano De 1855″

I really enjoy examining old gun designs and marveling at their simplicity, creativity and, in many cases, naivety.

[ Many thanks to Vaar for emailing me the photos. ]

UPDATE: A photo of the muzzleloader-esque takedown mechanism …