A fine example of Gustave Young’s exquisite artistry, serial number 12 is one of only about 200 high quality shotguns manufactured based on Smith & Wesson co-founder Daniel B. Wesson’s Dec. 17, 1867 issued patent. This patent was assigned to the Wesson Fire Arms Co. of Springfield, Massachusetts. It is a matter of debate as to why Wesson Fire Arms Co. was necessary as it had the same principals as Smith & Wesson. In fact, it is believed that the shotguns were manufactured at the S&W factory and finished nearby. According to "Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms," only around 219 shotguns were produced from 1868 to 1870. These “quite rare specimens of D.B. Wesson inventiveness” sold for several times more than their competitors. One reason for the high cost was the exact fit required for the action. The action was cut away on the sides so checkered wood pieces could be inserted, thus lessening the weight of the piece. The buttplate is another weight saving device. The metal center was cut away and only the "skeleton" inlaid around the edge of the butt, leaving the exposed wood checkered. The action was somewhat different from those used by other period makers. The rear of the lever was lifted, removing a wedge from the rib extension on the barrel. This was similar to the system used by Remington on their first model shotguns seven years later. The engraving was executed by renowned Master Engraver Gustave Young, whom many believe to be the finest engraver of all time, and it exhibits a higher quality of embellishment rarely encountered on these already rare shotguns. Young’s masterful near full coverage scrollwork is featured on the frame, hammers, barrel release, tangs, trigger guard, forearm hardware including the wedge and wedge escutcheon, and buttplate. Gold inlaid scrollwork appears on the barrel release, both sides of the frame and upper tang. Serial number “No. 12” is script engraved among the scrollwork on the trigger guard tang. The gracefully sculpted hammers have fine checkered spurs. The concaved solid rib has engraved scrollwork at the breech and is signed “WESSON FIRE ARMS Co SPRINGFIELD MASS.” in gold. Double gold inlaid bands appear on the Damascus barrels at the breech. The intertwined monograms of Dexter Smith and D.B. Wesson appear on the underside of the barrels. The two-line patent dates marking is stamped on the water table. The frame, hammers, and forearm hardware are casehardened, and the barrel release, trigger guard, and buttplate are blued. The highly figured walnut forearm and straight grip stock feature multi-point checkering. The initial stock oval is engraved with the initials “EW.” Included with the shotgun are the following accessories: brass C.M. Powers Gun Cleaner bore rod with attachment and screwdriver concealed in the handle, B.G.I. Co. three piece wooden cleaning rod, and reloading tools including Wesson Firearm Arms Co. marked silver deprimer and primer tools. The accompanying factory letter lists this shotgun with a 30 inch barrel and deluxe grade engraving and gold inlay by Gustave Young when billed at the wholesale price of $240.80 and sold on January 20, 1869 to S. Sahr Co. of Lima, Peru. Also includes a copy of the original barrel shot pattern testing for this shotgun. Bore and stock measurements: bores 9 inches from the breech measured at .734 (R)/.733 (L); minimum wall thickness .030 (R)/.033 (L); cylinder (R)/cylinder (L) chokes; drop at comb 1 5/8 inches; drop at heel 2 1/8 inches; length of pull 14 1/8 inches.

Very fine. The barrels retain 90% original distinct Damascus pattern with a few very scattered very small dark patches of pitting and wonderful gray-brown original finish. The barrel lever retains 90% original blue finish, the trigger guard retains 90% original blue finish, and the buttplate retains 40% original blue finish, with the overall balance a smooth gray patina. The remaining metal surfaces have a smooth gray patina with generous amounts of darkened original case colors remaining on the receiver and hammers. The engraving is crisp. The wood is very fine with a couple slivers absent from the forearm, minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically fine. An extremely rare 19th century shotgun made even more desirable by Gustave Young's highly attractive gold accented exhibition quality embellishment. The only known Gustave Young gold inlaid Wesson shotgun extant! Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.