FRANK WESSON Antique CIVIL WAR Era 2nd Type Two-Trigger SINGLE SHOT Rifle Younger Brother of Dan Wesson of Smith & Wesson Fame

Product Description

FRANK WESSON Antique CIVIL WAR Era 2nd Type Two-Trigger SINGLE SHOT Rifle 

Younger Brother of Dan Wesson of Smith & Wesson Fame

Here we present an antique Frank Wesson Two-Trigger Rifle, made circa the 1860s in Worcester, Massachusetts with a production run between 1863-1875. Frank Wesson was the younger brother of Daniel B. Wesson, of Smith & Wesson fame, as well as Edwin Wesson, who was also a highly-esteemed gunsmith in the mid-to-late-1800s. The fame of his family’s name was not lost on Frank as he was, in fact, a prolific firearms designer and maker in his own right. He was granted patents in 1859 and began producing rifles of this two-trigger configuration.

The Civil War was a fantastic opportunity for many different inventors and over 20 different carbines were used during the conflict on the Union side. Frank Wesson made a version of his rifle in a .44 caliber rimfire carbine format that was specifically geared for Cavalry troops. While it is unclear whether or not Federal troops used these carbines, it is known that Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio purchased these for their state militias. As William B. Edwards puts it in his book, “they were more popular with the guerrillas and irregular troops in the border fighting.” It is truly amazing the diversity of rifles and carbines that were used during the American Civil War.

This rifle is particularly slim, light and handy. The two-trigger design is perhaps the most eye-catching part of this rifle. The front trigger is pulled to open the breech after the hammer has been placed in half-cock. The slotted tab on the right side of the barrel is a stop that limits the travel of the barrel when pivoting. The trigger guard is a separate iron piece that can act somewhat like a pistol grip. Wesson rifles continued to be made all the way through 1888.

The overall condition is good. Robust action. Semi-bright bore, remains lightly frosted. This example sports a solid stock. The small thin crack to the right of the comb remains stable. Original patina. Legible markings. The tang is slotted for a rear sight.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 30 inches.

Caliber:  .38 Rimfire

Overall condition as seen in photos.

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$1800
#226410