In the 1830s and 1840s some of the worlds best target rifles and pistols were manufactured in the New England shop of Edwin Wesson, older brother of Daniel Baird Wesson of Smith & Wesson fame and Frank Wesson. It is possible that Daniel had a hand in making this rifle given that he was his brother's apprentice in the 1840s and worked with him for a short period after finishing his apprenticeship before Edwin's unexpected death from a heart attack in 1849. The rifle is marked "E. WESSON/MASS/CAST STEEL" followed by "96" between two eagle motifs on the upper left barrel flat near the breech. The barrel weighs 10 pounds 4 ounces making the overall weight a hefty 13 pounds 6 ounces. It is tapped for a false muzzle and has a globe front sight, a "lollypop" rear peep sight, double set triggers, and a walnut half stock with engraved German silver furniture including a grip extension trigger guard, a pewter forend cap, and cheekpieces on both sides of the butt. The engraving is primarily designs of various animals along with American style scrollwork and borders. The lock is marked "S. Clarr/EXTRA".

Very good. The barrel retains traces of original blue finish. The balance has a smooth brown patina with some light spotting. The hammer and lock plate have a mixed brown and gray patina. The left wedge escutcheon is missing as is most of the front sight post. The German silver displays an aged patina. The stock is good with a chip of wood missing above the hammer and some minor handling marks. It mechanically need some adjustments as the hammer functions properly but does not stay cocked.