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.

Extremely 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.