Frank Wesson Deringer Pistol, .32 RF RARE $1800
- Category
- Firearms Handguns
- Classification
- No PAL Required
- Action
- Single-shot
- Condition
- Excellent
- Manufacturer
- (other)
- Caliber
- 32 RF
- Sight
- Open
- Capacity
- 1
- Hand
- Right Handed or Ambidextrous
Please text anytime 6476871484. Fully functional antique pistol no PAL required. Reloadable ammo is available but sold separately.
Frank Wesson Single-Shot Pistol, .32 RF Short/Long RARE
Frank Wesson, elder brother to Daniel Baird Wesson of S&W fame was an accomplished gunmaker when Daniel was still a boy. The two younger Wessons would apprentice with their oldest brother Edwin, and learn much of their expertise from this talented and versatile master. Frank would move to California in the 1850's, probably lured by the opportunities presented by the gold rush, making and repairing guns for the local needs. By 1859 he had moved back to Worceater where he set up shop in his own name. Frank is best known for his fine rifles, "bicycle rifles", deringers and single-shot pistols. Frank Wesson never ventured into the revolver market until he had partnered with his nephew Gilbert Harrington to form Wesson & Harrington. The revolver making business continued to evolve as Wesson & Harrington first, and then Harrington & Richardson.
This is Frank Wesson's "medium frame" single-shot pistol, chambered in .32 rim fire. It is in excellent condition, with original blue. The little lever on the bottom of the frame releases the barrel lock when the hammer is in the safety position, and the barrel snaps open as it should. It will not open if the hammer is down, or fully cocked. The bore of the3 5/8 inch barrel is excellent and bright, with sharp rifling. The rosewood grips are very fine. This is an early model of the first variant, of which only about 1000 were ever made.