A fine example of 19th century artistry, serial number 1 is the first production in a limited series 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 on these shotguns has been identified to renowned Master Engraver Gustave Young. Young’s masterful near full coverage style scrollwork is featured on the frame, hammers, barrel lever, tangs, trigger guard, forearm hardware including the wedge and wedge escutcheon, and buttplate. Serial number “1” is engraved on the trigger guard tang among the scrollwork. The concave solid rib is signed “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.” This is an early rib legend as the standard marking was for Wesson Fire Arms Co. of Springfield. In fact, this may be the only surviving example that uses the Smith & Wesson legend. The brown Damascus barrels have a single bead front sight. The two-line patent dates marking is stamped on the water table. The upper tang has engraved initials. 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 “CE.” The stock has a checkered bare butt with skeletonized buttplate. The forearm has an ornate ebony tip insert. Included with the shotgun are two bore rods (one wooden, one brass). This rare shotgun is pictured and identified in "Steel Canvas: The Art of American Arms" by R.L. Wilson on page 235.

Exceptionally fine. The barrels retain 90% original Damascus pattern and traces of original brown in the protected areas with some evidence of cleaned spotting towards the muzzles. The receiver retains 50% original case colors and traces of original case colors remain on the hammers. 95% original blue finish remains on the trigger guard and barrel lever. The buttplate retains traces of original blue finish, otherwise a mix of brown and gray patinas. The engraving is crisp. The wood is fine with a couple slivers on the forearm, some minor dings and scratches and a few scattered blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly sought after Gustave Young engraved Wesson Fire Arms Co. shotgun made even more desirable by being serial number 1! Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.