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.

The pistol bears matching serial number 2381 on the grip frame under the grips, on the underside of the barrel, on the inside of both grip scales, and on the bottom of the shoulder stock itself (faint). This is an "ALL MATCHING" pistol with the matching shoulder stock, still together after 150 years! It was originally made with a heavily blued barrel and nickel plated frame with wooden grips. The plating has unfortunately flaked and faded over the years, however the bluing on the barrel is still strong.

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. The nickel plating on the frame is all but gone, with only remnants visible under the wooden grip scales. The frame now shows a lovely mottled patina from oxidation, but no major rust issues. The barrel still has a lot of the original dark blued finish, while the barrel extension is in similar condition to the frame. We checked the bore, and this pistol definitely saw significant use, and the rifling is faint. There also is fouling present on a lot of the surface.

The grips are in good condition, showing the original wood grain well and having a lovely color. Both sides are missing small chunks next to where they meet with the frame. The original skeletonized butt stock is in very good shape, and locks onto the pistol securely, though the dovetail is worn, and it can slide in a bit to far if not careful.

A very nice and hard to find single shot pistol, complete with it's original matched shoulder stock. Ready to add to your collection!

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.

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.