Designed and patented in Britain in 1852 by G.L. Kufahl, who tried unsuccessfully to interest a British company in producing it. He then went to the firm of Rheinmettal Dreyse, where a needle-fire gun was produced in 1838. This company manufactured his design. This revolver was chambered for a unique, totally consumed .30-caliber "cartridge". A lead projectile had the ignition percussion cap affixed to its base, with propellant powder in rear. Firing pin had to be long enough to penetrate the powder charge and hit the percussion cap. This does not sound efficient, but realize that these were the days before cartridges. This revolver has a 3.2" barrel and an unfluted cylinder that holds six shots. It is not bored all the way through, but is loaded from the front. Finish is blued, with a modicum of simple engraving and checkered wood grips that protrude all the way over the trigger. Markings are "Fv.V. Dreyse Sommerda".