Melville Eastham’s Dreyse Needle-Fire Sporting Double Rifle
From the personal collection of Melville Eastham, early radio pioneer and a founder of the General Radio Company. Born in Oregon City, OR on June 26th, 1885. Following high school graduation from Portland Academy, he worked as an electrician for a Portland street railway before moving to New York City in 1905 where he worked for the Ovington X-ray Company. Taking note that the high-voltage spark coils used to excite X-ray tubes were becoming popular as transmitters for radio amateurs, he moved to Boston in 1906. Here, he was a co- founder of the Clapp-Eastham Company, manufacturers of radio receiving and transmitting equipment. In 1915, Mr. Eastham founded General Radio to manufacture electrical measuring equipment. His company experienced a boom in business with strong private and military demand for radios during World War I and the growth of the radio broadcasting market which followed.
Mr. Eastham also was a pioneer in employee relations. His company instituted the 40-hour week and paid vacations as early as 1915. Company-financed life insurance and profit-sharing followed shortly after.
Mr. Eastham also was a pioneer in employee relations. His company instituted the 40-hour week and paid vacations as early as 1915. Company-financed life insurance and profit-sharing followed shortly after.
Mr. Eastham passed away in Cambridge, MA on May 6th, 1964 at the age of 78.
Caliber / Gauge: 11mm
Barrel Length: 26″
Serial Number: 21173
Condition: Very good. Good dark bore with lead fouling and oxidation spotting but retains good rifling. Mottled grey and brown patina. Wooden stock exhibits handling wear. Makers mark is beginning to fade. Pitting near the muzzle.
“FV Dreyse Sommerda” is marked on the sight rib. “Metal Patrone Cal. 11mm” is marked inside the receiver Checkered walnut stock, blued finish, two sling mounts, and engraved trigger guard & action.
The rifle was rechambered to 6.5 x 53 (25×35) and cosmetically restored by Hoffmann Restorations.
