In the 1840s, some of the world's best target rifles and pistols were manufactured in the New England shop of Edwin Wesson (1811-1849), older brother of fellow gunmakers Daniel Baird Wesson (1825-1906) of Smith & Wesson fame and Franklin Wesson (1828-1899). It is possible that Daniel or Franklin had a hand in making this rifle since they were both trained by their older brother. Daniel also briefly produced these rifles after Edwin's untimely demise from a heart attack in 1849. This rifle has extensive scroll and punch-dot engraving patterns on the action, German silver trigger guard, patch box, left stock inlay, top of the buttplate and toe plate. The barrel and back of the buttplate are the only plain areas. "E. WESSON/GRAFTON/MASS/CAST-STEEL" marked on the left quarter of the barrel at the breech. The barrel is turned for a false muzzle (not included) and is fitted with a globe and blade front sight, elevator rear sight, with a tang mounted folding ladder peep sight.