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1870's Vintage Antique Frank Wesson Medium Frame Superposed Pistol in .32 Short Rimfire (3rd Type)
Guns International #: 101401726 Seller's Inventory #: CBP20-42
Category: Frank Wesson - Antique Pistols - Cartridge
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 184
Total Number of Listings: 14865
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
This is a very interesting and scarce little antique pistol made by the Frank Wesson Company in the late 1870's called the Medium Frame Superposed Pistol. Chambered in .32 Short rimfire, this 2-shot pocket pistol features a unique rotating barrel assembly that is 2.5" inches long, a silver-plated brass frame, a spur trigger, an exposed knurled and grooved hammer that also serves as the rear sight, and smooth Rosewood bird's head grips. Often referred to as an "over and under" deringer, this pistol was designed and put in production by the Frank Wesson firm in 1868 and was a success. It remained in production until 1880, with approximately 3,000 pistols made during the production run. During this production run there were 3 variations or types of the medium frame model manufactured. This particular example is a "3rd Type" which is distinguished by the full fluted barrels and horizontally positioned one line makers' maring of "FRANK WESSON WORCESTER MASS Pt. DEC 15/68". The serial numbering system on these pistols is not fully understood, but is believed to start at "1" and go to "2000" before starting over again at "1". This example is serial number 1028 and is all-original and matching, including the grips which are both stamped with the full serial number. As you can see from the pictures, there is a good deal of the silver plating left on the brass frame, a rarity on these guns. The original blue finish on the barrels is mostly gone, worn to a gray patina overall. There are some traces of the blue finish in the protected grooves on the underside of each barrel, as well as some trace blue on the trigger and hammer. The bores in both barrels are average, with the rifling still visible but pitting throughout both barrels in the lands and grooves. The front sights on both barrels are still intact and in good shape. They appear to be solid silver blades. The original Rosewood grips on this Superposed Pistol are still intact and are in good overall condition. The right side grip is free from any cracks or major damage and still shows a lot of the original varnish. The left side grip has a crack in it above the grip screw but it is still intact, and most of the original varnish is still in place. Both grips are tight to the gun with no wiggle, and the crack on the left grip panel seems to be very stable. As mentioned earlier, both grips are numbered to the gun on the backside. The revolving action of the barrels is still functional, and the barrels lock into place properly as it was designed to do. To rotate the barrels one pulls the hammer slightly back and depresses the button on the bottom of the frame ahead of the trigger. This allows the barrels to rotate for loading/unloading, or moving into battery position. The hammer no longer has a half-cock position but does still have the full-cock position, and the trigger still functions properly, breaking with a light pull. If you are a collector of antique American arms this Frank Wesson Medium Frame Superposed Pistol would be an excellent addition. These little pocket pistols are very rarely on the market, and even rarer still with some original silver plating still on the frame. This Frank Wesson should prove to be an excellent investment in addition to being a unique conversation piece in your collection.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Frank Wesson
Model: Medium Frame Superposed Pistol (3rd Type)
Serial Number: 1028
Barrel Length: 2.5" Inches
Caliber Info: .32 Short Rimfire
Manufacture Date: Late 1870's