Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Frank Wesson .22 caliber single-shot target pistol, referred to as a small 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, and unfortunately this example no longer has one.

The pistol bears matching serial number 2 on the grip frame under the grips, on the underside of the barrel, and on the inside of both grip scales. This is an "ALL MATCHING" pistol, without any parts swapped out over the years! Additionally, the bottom of the barrel bears the CROWN / GP "Gunmakers Proof" and CROWN / V "Viewed" markings from the London Gun Company proof house, so this example was exported. With such a low serial number, it's possible it was a sample or pattern gun.

These pistols were originally made with a heavily blued barrel and nickel plated frame with wooden grips, and this example still actually retains a good amount of the original finish. The barrel has faded towards more of a plum color, but the bluing is strong around the chamber, and the frame still retains about 50% of the original plating.

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 slightly, and the safety on the right side of the frame pushed in. The safety is fully functional on this example, and the breech opens easily when the hammer is set at safety position. The ejector is present and fully functional, and the pistol cocks and dry fires correctly, with no issues noted. The rear "peep" sight is present, as well as the front "ghost ring" globe sight, with an intact sight blade.

Condition wise, the pistol is in very good used condition, with wear and oxidation commensurate with age. As described previously, the metalwork still shows a good amount of the original finish, and we believe most of the wear is from storage and cleaning. The bore of this example is truly excellent, like a mirror, with a bright finish and crisp lands and grooves. We can see very little evidence that it was ever actually used.

The rosewood grips are in good condition, showing the original wood grain well and having a lovely color. There are no major cracks or chips on either side, just a small one on the left where the grip meets the frame on the lower side. They also both still retain most of the "piano varnish" finish, which makes them really look lovely.

A very nice and hard to find single shot pistol, with a fantastic bore and great grips. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: circa 1872
Caliber: .22 rimfire
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 15 Inches
Overall Length: 18 1/4 Inches
Overall Length with Stock: 29 1/4"
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.