Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the VERY scarce Frank Wesson 1st Pattern Model 1870 .32 caliber single-shot target pistol, referred to as a large frame "pocket pistol", which would require someone to have HUGE pockets. The advertising however usually referred to these as the "Sportsman's Jewel", intended for the discerning target shooter. It is a rotating barrel design that features a 15" octagonal barrel mounted to a typical pistol sized frame. The bottom of the grip has a dovetail, intended to be used with a skeletal shoulder stock, which are extremely difficult to find.

These were available in several configurations, with the "small frame" .22 versions being much more popular. The "Large Frame" versions were made in smaller numbers, with the .32cal type reportedly only having somewhere between 100 and 250 ever made (sources conflict on this). This example is the 1st Pattern M1870, with a longer breech axis pin with a nut on the end. The later patterns would use a different type of axis pin attachment.

The pistol bears matching serial number 18 on the grip frame under the grips, on the underside of the barrel, on the inside of both grip scales, the trigger, the breech release and on the bottom of the shoulder stock itself. This is an "ALL MATCHING" pistol with the matching shoulder stock, still together after 150 years! Other examples we have seen were originally made with heavily blued barrels and nickel plated frames, however we cannot see any trade of nickel plating on the frame, even under the grips. Currently the pistol shows a a bright polished patina overall, with some areas of light staining.

The side of the barrel has the correct patent marking, which is fully intact:

The breech is opened via a button on the bottom, which allows the barrel to rotate. Prior to this, the hammer needs to be pulled back to the half cock position, or else the barrel will not rotate. Later examples of these would have an ejector button on the right side of the barrel, but the 1st pattern doe snot have this. The pistol cocks and dry fires correctly, with no issues noted, and the spring loaded ejector ejector still presents correctly. This example is fitted with simple rear and front sights, not the peep and "globe" sights often seen on these.

Condition wise, the pistol is in very good used condition, with wear and oxidation commensurate with age. It has a lovely patina overall, and really has a great look. The rosewood grips have a great color and grain, still retaining a lot of the original varnished finish. We checked the bore, and it is very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. There is a bit if fouling and oxidation present in areas, very common for black powder era guns.

A very scarce target pistol, complete with its original matched shoulder stock. The first example that we have had, and definitely a good one! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber:  .32 rimfire
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 15 Inches
Overall Length: 22 1/2 Inches
Overall Length with Stock: 33 1/4 inches
Action type: Top Action Single
Feed System: Rotating Barrel Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.