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1870-1893 Vintage Frank Wesson Model 1870 Medium Frame Pocket Rifle in .32 Rimfire w/ Matching Stock ** Rare & Unique Pistol **
Guns International #: 101783489 Seller's Inventory #: BP21-278
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 cool and unique antique Frank Wesson Model 1870 Medium Frame Pocket Rifle in .32 Rimfire complete with it's original serial-numbered detachable shoulder stock. First introduced in 1870, the Frank Wesson Model 1870 Pocket Rifle remained in production until 1893 but was very low-production with only about 5,000 manufactured in total. Advertised as "The Sportsman's Jewel" and offered in .22 and .32 Rimfire, the single-shot Model 1870 Pocket Rifle was fitted with an octagon barrel in various lengths between 10" and 22" inches and used a unique rotating barrel-assembly action. This interesting model featured a nickel-plated frame, a blued barrel assembly, a case-colored spur trigger and hammer, a square butt grip, a globe-style front sight and v-notch rear sight, and a quick-detachable skeleton-style steel buttstock. To open the action, the hammer is pulled back slightly while the spring loaded-hammer rest on the left side of the frame is depressed and the hammer is let down on the rest, the latch is depressed on the underside of the frame, and the whole barrel assembly rotates open to the right, allowing for loading as well as empty case extraction using the right-side mounted manual extractor. Once loaded, the barrel assembly is rotated back into the locked closed position and the hammer is pulled to full-cock prior to firing by depressing the spur trigger. The detachable stock is fit to the pistol via a dovetailed groove on the bottom of the pistol grip and a knurled screw to secure it. The stock can be inserted from the front of the pistol grip as well for compact stowage. This particular example is serial number 537 and is fitted with a 12" inch barrel. It is in good condition overall and is fully-functional. It is all-original except for two parts that appear to be old hand-made parts, the manual extractor and the barrel latch. While they are functional, they do not match exactly the look of the original parts from what we have found. All of the finishes that remain intact on this Frank Wesson are original and all of the serial numbered parts are matching and original, including the stock and both grip panels. The original nickel plating on the frame is in good shape overall, showing only some minor flaking and wear, and some scattered speckling. Most of the plating wear and loss is on the front and rear grip straps, primarily at the edges of both. The plating on the skeleton stock is in great shape. The original blue finish on the barrel is mostly gone, now showing a brown gray patina that is even in appearance and with no pitting or major damage. This bluing loss is likely a result of poor storage more than actual mechanical wear as the edges of the octagon barrel are still sharp and the Frank Wesson factory markings on the left side of the barrel are still crisp and fully legible. The factory case colors on the hammer are in superb condition, showing nice, bright color on all sides of the hammer. The original grips on this Model 1870 Pocket Rifle are in great shape overall as well, free from any cracks, chips, repairs, or major damage/dings. Both grip panels show some varnish loss but match each other perfectly and fit the gun nicely. As mentioned earlier, both grips are numbered on the reverse with the serial number "537", matching the gun. Unfortunately the bore is average to poor in this neat piece. The rifling is still visible throughout the barrel but there is pitting from the chamber to the crown of the muzzle. Given that this gun is at least 128 years old and is chambered in a very corrosive black powder rimfire cartridge, it certainly got it honestly. Given that there were only about 5000 of these made 128 to 151 years ago, finding a Medium Frame .32 Rimfire Pocket Rifle in original and functional condition and complete with it's original matching shoulder stock is an extremely hard thing to do. If you have been looking to add a very cool and unique antique cartridge pistol to your collection this Frank Wesson Model 1870 Medium Frame Pocket Rifle in .32 Rimfire would be a great choice. Not only should this continue to be a great long-term investment but it is also an excellent display piece for a bookshelf, etc. As an antique, this Frank Wesson can be shipped directly to your home, no FFL needed.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: Frank Wesson Co. Worchester, Mass
Model: Model 1870 Pocket Rifle (Medium Frame)
Serial Number: 537
Barrel Length: 12" Inches
Ejectors: Manual Extractor (Replacement)
Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Poor to Average
Barrel Type: Octagon
Action: Single Shot Rotating Barrel Assembly
Stock: Factory Detachable Skeleton-Style Buttstock
Finish: Nickel Plated / Blued / Case Colored
Sights: Globe Style Front Sight, V-Notch Rear Sight
Manufacture Date: 1870 to 1893