This rare example of 19th century ingenuity and artistry 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 and is even rarer as it was presented by D.B. Wesson. D.B. Wesson's patent for this shotgun 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. Cost was between $175 and $225 per unit. D.B. Wesson, a devoted fowler himself, wanted his shotgun to be a prestigious weapon comparable to the high end doubles produced in England. 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 and his shop. 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 “131” is engraved on the trigger guard tang among the scrollwork. The concave solid rib is signed “WESSON FIRE ARMS Co SPRINGFIELD MASS.” The brown Damascus barrels have a single bead front sight. 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 stock has a checkered bare butt with skeletonized buttplate. The forearm has an ebony tip insert. The stock initial oval has the presentation inscription: "From/D.B.W./to/E.S.R." Daniel Baird Wesson (1825-1906) was known to have presented several of these shotguns and was quite proud of his design. The likely recipient of this shotgun is Edward S. Renwick who came from an innovative and influential New York family. He owned Renwick Arms which produced Perry and Goddard derringers in the 1860s, but his relationship to D. B. Wesson was likely related to the fact that he was one of the best patent agents and attorneys of the late 19th century. Renwick was involved in multiple cases involving firearms patent infringements including E.S. Renwick, W. C. Hicks, Horace Smith, and D. B. Wesson vs. Charles H. Pond for Pond's infringement on William C. Hicks patent relating to cartridge extraction. He was also an expert witness on Smith & Wesson's behalf in Rollin White, Horace Smith, and Daniel B. Wesson vs. Ethan Allen and Thomas P. Wheellock relating to infringements on Rollin White's patent for bored through cylinders. Renwick's brother Henry B. Renwick was the Patent Office's chief examiner, and his other brother was the architect of many famous American building including the Smithsonian, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Mark Twain House.

Very good. The barrels retain 30% of the attractive Damascus pattern, otherwise aged to a smooth brown-gray patina. 50% original blue remains on the trigger guard. The buttplate has some moderate pitting. The sides of the action have strong remnants of the original case colors which have mostly silvered out on the remaining areas. The engraving is crisp. The inscription is clear. The wood is also very good with minor handling marks, worn bare butt, a few small chips, a short hairline stress crack at the buttplate (left side), a few spots of residue near the inscription oval and a few blemishes in the overall crisp wrist and forearm checkering. Mechanically excellent. An extremely scarce shotgun tied to Daniel B. Wesson himself.