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

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Long Guns - Rifles Start Price:750.00 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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E. Wesson Massachusetts Marked Half Stock Percussion Tar Rifle with German Silver Accents

The heavy octagon barrel gauges at approximately .45 caliber, has provisions for a false muzzle with a dented globe front sight without an insert. 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 mounted 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 pounds. In Frank Seller's book AMERICAN GUNSMITH'S, Edwin Wesson is listed as having worked in Grafton, Massachusetts, from 1834 to 1840.

Manufacture: Unmarked
Model: Percussion
BBL: 35 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 96

Very good. The barrel retains traces of original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina and 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 top of the lock plate and some minor handling marks. Mechanically needs work as the hammer does not stay cocked.