Dreyse 1907

[Aragorn243]

I discovered yesterday morning that my Cabela's points had rebounded from the Swiss 1882 revolver purchase last June so we went on a trip to Cabela's yesterday. I had done some looking online and found this little Dresye but wanted to see if there was something local I could pick up. No luck local so called them this morning in Colorado and got more information on it.

I like weird little guns so this fits right in. Looks like the finish has all turned to patina but there isn't much pitting on it anywhere from the photos or the from the guy on the other end of the phone. The grips are different colors and the black one is in rough shape. But the bore is very good and it functions well. No marks on the magazine that he could see. The cocked indicator works well as it's sticking out plain to see.

They processed the points already so I may get it quicker than I thought. But here are their pics.

Best I can tell from research is it was made early in 1916 (58XXX serial #) and is a late 1st pattern pistol. It has the three crown over N proofs but no military acceptance mark.

[Aragorn243]

Unbelievably, I have already located a holster for it at a price I'm willing to pay. Same year as the pistols production, 1916.

A magazine is going to be a little more problematic. I can get a new production one without difficulty, but originals are ridiculously priced.

[martin08]

Just curious as to how much Cabelas valued their Dreyse M1907?

[Aragorn243]

Way too much, $649.99. My price after discounts was $584 which I figure is still $100 too high. But with points, it cost me $0.00. I’ve gotten a few dirt cheap so they balance out. So my dilemma is losing $100 in points that cost me nothing but time or possibly never getting one.

[Aragorn243]

Picked up the pistol and the holster arrived today. Pistol looks a lot nicer than the photos. Only real issue is the right grip panel which is heavily warped. I’m wondering if it can be warped back, possibly with heat. Not sure what it’s made of. Early plastic, hard rubber, pressed cow horn? Looks like Bakelite but that say that will never warp once set. I thought it was cracked but the rear is solid. I don’t want to do anything that will harm it. It’s not something that is super noticeable unless you’re looking right at it from certain angles.

[browningautorifle]

I’m wondering if it can be warped back, possibly with heat.

You won't know until you try.

[Aragorn243]

Field stripped it this morning and gave it a good wipe down. All numbers I can find are matching. Two or three of them are only four digits. It isn't the worst taking it apart and a recommended tool is the cap off a sharpie to push the bushing in at the barrel. Getting it back together however is a nightmare that requires three hands and a prybar.

The pistol looked brown in the Cabela's photos. In person it's blue. I scrubbed it with a brass brush which left a little color on it. Pitting is very minor in a couple of spots. The proofs are very clear although a couple are not deeply struck. I don't know why they post bad photos on their website, can't possibly help their sales but I've benefited a couple of times.













































---------- Post added at 11:49 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:46 AM ----------

You won't know until you try.

I don't want to break it, that's the biggest problem.

I've read oven at 220, boiling water, and a hair dryer.

[browningautorifle]

I don't want to break it

I'm with you there...

[oldfoneguy]

My suggestion was going to be put it on a flat metal surface and set the ovens heat to around 200 degrees. Keep an eye on it through the window without opening and closing the door which lets the heat out. Preheat the oven to temperature before putting the grip in. It may lay down on its own or may need a little persuasion. If so be careful not to mar the logo or checkering and remember it's going to be hot.

Boiling may change the color slightly by removing the surface layer and a heat gun or hairdryer is not going to heat it evenly and thoroughly enough. Also it may damage the checkering and logo by overheating localized spots.

[Aragorn243]

I'm leaning in the direction of the oven, but I want to research it a bit more. See if I can find any actual examples, etc. Maybe I can figure out what they used for the grips. They make repros so an obvious answer would be to just get a set of those and put the originals in storage.