Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 237

Lot 237:Engraved, Silver Mounted Wesson Box Lock Percussion Target Rifle

August 23rd, 2024|Bedford, TX
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 237

Lot 237:Engraved, Silver Mounted Wesson Box Lock Percussion Target Rifle

August 23rd, 2024|Bedford, TX
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$9,500 - $15,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Exhibition Quality Gustave Young Engraved and Silver Mounted Wesson Box Lock Percussion Civil War Sniper Rifle with Scope

In the 1840s, some of the world's best target rifles and pistols were manufactured in the New England shop of Edwin Wesson (1811-1849), older brother of fellow gunmakers Daniel Baird Wesson (1825-1906) of Smith & Wesson fame and Franklin Wesson (1828-1899). It is possible that Daniel or Franklin had a hand in making this rifle since they were both trained by their older brother. Daniel also briefly produced these rifles after Edwin's untimely demise from a heart attack in 1849. A similar, but more lightly engraved, scope outfitted Wesson rifle in the Smithsonian collection was used by Edwin J. Stanclift of the 8th Company, 1st Battalion, New York Sharpshooters in the Civil War. This rifle has no visible markings aside from the extensive scroll and punch-dot engraving patterns on the action, German silver trigger guard and buttplate, silver patch box, left stock inlay, and toe plate; and tail of the trigger plate. The barrel, scope, and back of the buttplate are the only plain areas. The engraving was very likely executed by master engraver Gustave Young. It has a fish head hammer and the distinctive Young style scrollwork. The breech plug is nicely filed/sculpted on the right. The toe of the stock on the left is marked "64.2.3." in red paint (prior collection inventory markings). The barrel is turned for a false muzzle (not included) and has been fitted with a full length scope with small aperture at the rear similar to a peep sight.

ConditionExtremely fine. The barrel is mostly an even blend of faded original blue finish and brown patina. There are some marks at the edges including wrench/vice marks near the breech. The rib on the right side of the ramrod tube is slightly separating at the rear. The scope condition matches the barrel. The action has traces of case colors and otherwise a smooth blend of gray and brown patina. There is some slight spotting on the iron. The German silver and silver have attractive aged patinas. The engraving remains crisp throughout. The stock is very good and has attractive feathered figure, minor flaking of the varnish at the top of the wrist around the lock and junction with the action, a slight crack in the grain on the wrist on the right, cracks at the toe, and minor scrapes and dings. Mechanically fine. The scope has mostly clean optics and is fine for its age. This is an overall fine example of the highest quality of rifles made by Edwin Wesson and his iconic younger brothers in the 1840s.
Details
ManufacturerWesson Edwin
ModelMuzzleloader
TypeRifle
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge38 Percussion
Barrel27 3/4 inch octagon
Finishblue/casehardened/silver
Stockwalnut

Item LocationBedford, TX
Views1864
Catalog page246
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 273Cased Gustave Young Factory Engraved Colt Model 1849 Revolver
View Lot
Lot 1237Civil War Merrill First Model Percussion Carbine
View Lot
Lot 1198Engraved Colt Model 1855 First Model Percussion Revolving Rifle
View Lot
Lot 3282Civil War U.S. Springfield Model 1861 Rifle-Musket
View Lot
Show More