Catalog Auction info Auction #128 - Two-Day Sale, November 21st & 22nd (#128) 11/21/2020 9:00 AM EST Closed Starts Ending 11/21/2020 9:00 AM EST Auction Info Lot #131Rare Edwin Wesson Two-Barrel Percussion Pocket Rifle Click image to enlarge PreviousNextSimilar Items Lot closed - Sold Price (Including Buyer`s Premium):$6,000 Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000 Description Description: Description Update 11/09/2020: Wesson's ledgers show that this arm was shipped to John L. Brown of Boston, MA with a muzzle number of "129" and notated as a "C.S. Pistol" (cast steel). Made between March 13, 1843 and June 2, 1843. serial #175, .34 caliber, 12 3/4" barrel with an excellent bright bore. This is the earliest style of the Wesson pocket rifles which featured back action locks and bag shaped grip. The detachable shoulder stock has a patchbox and fits snugly through the gripframe. The top of the barrel is marked "E. WESSON. / NORTHBORO. / MASS" with eagle to left of the mark and "CAST-STEEL / 175" to the right of the mark. The lock shows typical mid 19th century American scroll as does the backstrap, barrel tang and breech. The triggerguard and bottom of the butt are also lightly engraved. The pistol is built on Wesson's typical takedown action with barrel affixed by a hooked lug into the tang and held in place by a single screw or bolt through the bottom of frame and into the barrel breech. Clark's patent false muzzles were used by Wesson, this one is no exception but the false muzzle is actually octagonal with just the last 3/16" turned round to facilitate the included brass starter. The false muzzle is Clark marked and is held in place by spring steel extensions which lock into corresponding notches in the sides of the barrel, the right side fastener is no longer present, the left is fully intact. The condition of the rifle is very nice with barrel retaining 75% original brown finish which is thinning evenly and surfaces remain smooth and completely free of pitting. The lock shows a perfectly smooth surface and shows a pleasing blend of faded color case-hardened finish and a gray patina. The grip frame is a mellow gray patina with traces of original finish in protected areas. The stock is German silver mounted with simply shaped patchbox with tasteful border engraving, it is held closed by a spring loaded clasp which locks into the rear of the lid. The buttplate is very typical Wesson being engraved on tang which is faceted with fancy wedding band where it meets the wood. The locking mechanism is well designed and robust with a 5/16" x 5/8" rectangular lug which fits into both iron gripstraps and locks with a spring-loaded tab which protrudes slightly from the forestrap. The condition of the stock is excellent with over 90% original finish remaining and with a very nice surface. The rifle is sighted with a fine stud front mounted in dovetail and a tang mounted lollipop rear. There is no provision for a rear barrel sight. The rifle comes with a second 31" octagon barrel in .41 caliber which is later but definitely period, mid 19th century, it is marked on its top flat simply "PHILADELPHIA". The quality of the barrel is excellent, it looks like something Krider could have made and perhaps he did. This barrel retains 98% original brown finish, the bolster is carefully shaped to match the original and the bore is excellent. The second barrel also has a false muzzle which is the normal round shape and a second starter comes with the barrel. This barrel is sighted with a rear mounted open barrel sight (missing elevator) and a fine blade front with neat removable hood. Edwin Wesson was the second of ten children born to Rufus Wesson and Betsey Baird. Rufus Wesson built agricultural plows and was never involved in the manufacture of firearms but three of his children went on to successful careers as gunmakers. Edwin was the oldest of the gunmaking Wessons followed by Daniel Baird of Smith & Wesson fame, and finally Frank Wesson who was a prolific maker of rifles, pistols and pocket rifles. Wesson pocket rifles are quite rare and this example is very fine and suitable for any collection of antique American arms. (1E9670-454) {ANTIQUE} [David & Lore Squier Collection] (3000/5000) Categories: firearm Terms and conditions TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE The following paragraphs represent the terms under which all sales by Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. are conducted. Bidding on any item in the sale indicates the bidder’s full acceptance and understanding of all terms and conditions of sale. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. has taken great care in the preparation of the descriptions in this catalog. Although we believe everything in the descriptions to be true, we do not guarantee any part of any description. We recommend that the bidders view the items in person and form their own opinions as to condition, originality, origin, etc. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will consider all requests for refunds. If a customer is unhappy with a purchase, we will be happy to discuss a remedy with them. All requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the sale date. Therefore, it is important that absentee bidders pay for their items in a timely fashion. All requests for refunds received after 30 days of the sale date will not be considered. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. reserves the right to reject any bid in order to protect our consignor’s interests. PAYMENT POLICY All invoices are payable upon receipt. Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. will accept cash, check, wire transfer, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express as payment for items purchased. 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GUIDELINES FOR FIREARM DELIVERIES All Federal, State and Local firearms laws will be strictly adhered to. FFL holders may take possession of any firearm on day of sale (excluding Class III) when they present a signed copy of their Federal Firearms License. If an FFL dealer is sending an “agent” to pick up items, that person must be a bona fide, paid employee of the company with a W4 on file. Outside contractors cannot be used as pickup agents. A SIGNED LETTER FROM THE FFL STATING THIS FACT MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF PICK UP. The FFL Dealer will in turn be notified that a transfer was made to you as their agent. New Hampshire residents over the age of 21 may take possession of any firearm, on day of sale, provided the proper paperwork is completed and the transfer has been approved either through the N.H. State Police or the FBI NICS System, whichever is appropriate based upon the type of firearm(s) purchased. 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If you are the winning bidder of an item that you find does not comply with your state’s laws, you will still be required to pay your invoice, Amoskeag Auction Co. will then re-offer the arm on your behalf. FIREARM CLASSIFICATION: ANTIQUE - no paperwork required MODERN - Post-1898 firearm which requires an FFL or 4473 with corresponding successful background check in order to be delivered. C&R - for firearms that fall under the ATF Curio & Relics licensing and if purchased by a person with a “C&R License” no paperwork is required. NOTE: Items that meet the age requirements but have been altered from their original configuration may NOT be delivered on a C&R License. SAFETY WARNING Amoskeag Auction Company, Inc. does not warranty the safety of any article it sells. Therefore, it is imperative that, before you use any firearm, purchased here or anywhere else, you have it examined by a qualified gunsmith to determine whether or not it is safe to use. 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