This scarce 44 Rimfire first type Frank Wesson carbine was made circa 1859 to 1863. Only about 2,000 were made and many were lost in the first years of the Civil War. The first type is easily distinguished by the slotted link which is mounted on the RIGHT side of the barrel. This link limits barrel travel when the gun is broken open to load. The overall length is approx. 39.5"". The 24"" octagon barrel has strong rifling with erosion toward the breech and frosting in the grooves. It is equipped with the standard front and leaf rear sights. All the metal has a smooth brown patina with roughness around the breech. The triggerguard was nickel plated with approx. 35% remaining. The barrel has the standard first type FRANK WESSON markings. There are no other markings evident. The rear sling swivel is present and the dovetail for the front swivel is open. The stock is very good with no chips or cracks and light use wear. The action functions correctly. Frank Wesson carbines were used by Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, and Missouri units. They were not inspected or US marks. This is a representative example of a scarce Civil War carbine, especially the first type.