Approximately 200 of these high quality shotguns patented by Daniel B. Wesson in December, 1867 are reported to have been built. The patent was assigned to the Wesson Fire Arms Co., an odd company as it the same principals as Smith & Wesson. It is believed that these shotguns were manufactured at the S&W factory and finished nearby. The company only lasted for about four years and only produced around 219 shotguns, which sold for several times more than their competitors, in part due to the precision required in the fitting of the action. Built with blued Damascus steel barrels featuring a single brass bead sight on the smooth concave solid rib, light scroll at the rib extension, no choke constriction, and chambers measured 2 1/2 inches with an extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened bar-in-wood style action which displays extensive broad scroll designs and features rebounding hammers, bushed firing pins, double triggers, and a wedge fastener "monkey tail" toplever reminiscent of Remington's later Model 1874 and 1876. The gun is fitted with a nicely figured and multi-point checkered forend with wedge fastener and straight grip stock with blank inscription oval and engraved steel buttplate. Included is a S&W factory letter stating that the engraving on this gun would have been done by Gustave Young as well as stating that as the gun bears no name, it may have been made under license by Charles Parker of the Parker Brothers, Dexter Wesson, or S&W as the Wesson Firearms Company was dissolved. Stock measurements: 1 3/4 inch drop at comb; 2 5/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/4 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 4 oz.

Very good, retaining 30% faded original Damascus twist finish, much of which has turned a smooth brown, 30% of the original case colors in the protected areas with the balance a smooth grey, and some light spotting. There is some edge chipping and a small crack in the left of the forend; otherwise, the wood is fine with some dings and well-defined checkering. Mechanically fine.