{"product_id":"original-scarce-u-s-frank-wesson-1st-pattern-m1870-large-frame-single-shot-32cal-pocket-rifle-target-pistol-serial-18-with-matched-shoulder-stock","title":"Original Scarce U.S. Frank Wesson 1st Pattern M1870 Large Frame Single Shot .32cal \"Pocket Rifle\" Target Pistol Serial 18 with Matched Shoulder Stock","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe pistol bears matching serial number\u003cstrong\u003e 18\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 Other examples we have seen were originally made with heavily blued barrels and nickel plated frames, however we cannot see any trade of nickel plating on the frame, even under the grips.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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe side of the barrel has the correct patent marking, which is fully intact:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFRANK WESSON WORCESTER MASS.\u003cbr\u003ePATENTED MAY 31.1870.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 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!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: circa 1870\u003cbr\u003eCaliber:  .32 rimfire\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCartridge Type: Rimfire\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 15 Inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 22 1\/2 Inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length with Stock: 33 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction type: Top Action Single\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Rotating Barrel Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40563922927685,"sku":"ONJR23CHB31","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR23CHB31__01.jpg?v=1681910487","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-scarce-u-s-frank-wesson-1st-pattern-m1870-large-frame-single-shot-32cal-pocket-rifle-target-pistol-serial-18-with-matched-shoulder-stock","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}