Lot 129
129
A RARE WESSON 1867 PATENT 12-BORE HAMMER GUN BY WESSON FIRE ARMS CO., SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, No. 69, the action-bar stamped 'Patented Dec. 31. 1867. June 9. 1868. Nov. 24. 1868', lift-up toplever, rebounding backlocks with high-spurred hammers, sprung strikers, best foliate-scroll engraving, the top-strap engraved with the monogram of D.B. Wesson, well-figured stock with extension, the wooden-filleted action-bar with integral horn-lipped and bolted-forend, browned damascus barrels, the underside of each barrel stamped with the combined monogram of D.B. Wesson and Dexter Smith, the gauge, and the monogram of J.W. Storrs

Details
A RARE WESSON 1867 PATENT 12-BORE HAMMER GUN BY WESSON FIRE ARMS CO., SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, No. 69, the action-bar stamped 'Patented Dec. 31. 1867. June 9. 1868. Nov. 24. 1868', lift-up toplever, rebounding backlocks with high-spurred hammers, sprung strikers, best foliate-scroll engraving, the top-strap engraved with the monogram of D.B. Wesson, well-figured stock with extension, the wooden-filleted action-bar with integral horn-lipped and bolted-forend, browned damascus barrels, the underside of each barrel stamped with the combined monogram of D.B. Wesson and Dexter Smith, the gauge, and the monogram of J.W. Storrs
Weight 6lb. 15oz., 13 7/8in. pull, 30in. barrels, proof exemption, sold as unsuitable for use
]

Lot Essay

The Wesson Fire Arms Company was founded on May 27, 1867 by Horace Smith, D.B. Wesson, J.W. Storr and Frank Wesson and initially occupied part of the Smith & Wesson factory. The action and design of this best quality double-barrelled breech-loader was designed and patented by D.B. Wesson and production lasted for two years, between 1869-70. Total production of this design appears to have amounted to some 215, of which the majority appear to be 12-gauge

Please see also Neal & Jinks, 'Smith and Wesson 1857-1945', pp. 240-245

More from Guns

View All
View All