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E. Wesson Massachusetts Marked Half Stock Percussion Tar Rifle with German Silver Accents

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:600.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,500.00 USD
E. Wesson Massachusetts Marked Half Stock Percussion Tar Rifle with German Silver Accents
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The heavy octagon barrel gauges at approximately .45 caliber percussion and has provisions for a false muzzle and a dented globe front sight without an insert, with the upper left flat stamped "E. Wesson / MASS / CAST STEEL 96" flanked by eagles. The fish sculpted hammer and lock plate feature a floral scroll engraving with the lock plate marked "S. Clarr / EXTRA". Tang peep sight and double set triggers. Smooth half stock with pewter forend cap, single barrel wedge, artfully shaped trigger guard, a raised cheekpiece on both sides of the buttstock, and crescent buttplate. The buttplate, trigger guard, and stock overlays are engraved German silver. The left side of the buttstock has dog and eagle overlays, with stag head and star burst type pattern overlays on the right side of the buttstock. The buttplate has extended tangs and engraved German silver side plates. The underside of the forearm has a scroll engraved overlay with a stag scene. The rifle weighs approximately 13 lbs. In Frank Seller's book AMERICAN GUNSMITH'S, Edwin Wesson is listed as having worked in Grafton, Massachusetts, from 1834 to 1840.
BBL: 35 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 96
Condition: Very good. The barrel retains traces of original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina with some light spotting. The hammer and lock plate have a mixed brown and gray patina. A wedge escutcheon is missing. Overall the German silver is fine. The stock is good with a large chunk of wood missing around the lock plate and some minor handling marks. Mechanically needs work as the hammer does not stay cocked.