Page 185 - Auction84-Book3

level front sight and two mounting points for a Vernier long range tang sight (one on the tang and one on the comb at the heel.) The barrel is marked “F.WESSON’S Long Range
CREEDMOORE RIFLE MFG. Worcester, Mass.” in one line rather than the typical two lines. The action on these rifles is very reminiscent of that made by Alexander Henry, but this rifle lacks the signature step found on Henry’s rifle
locks. The brass action is lightly engraved at the border, and is nickel plated. The rifle is mounted with lightly figured multipoint checkered walnut forend and pistol grip buttstock with lightly engraved and nickel plated fittings.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% original blue finish on the barrel with scattered patches of pitting on the balance. Receiver retains 90% plus original nickel finish with a few small spots of flaking, a frosted appearance and crisp engraving. The lock retains patterns of original muted case colors in protected areas with a dark gray patina on the balance. Wood is also very fine with nearly all the original varnish remaining, scattered light handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This
rifle would make the perfect addition to even the most advanced single shot collections!
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK FRANK WESSON GUNMAKER
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
LOT 3334
Rare Documented Frank Wesson No. 1 Long Range
Creedmoor Rifle Serial Number 1 - Serial no. 1, 45 CF cal., 34 inch
octagon bbl., blue/nickel/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Most estimates suggest less than 50 of these Long-Range Creedmoor rifles were manufactured circa the 1870s-1880s with varying features and chambered for an array
of cartridges. This rifle is believed to be the first Long-Range rifle made
by Wesson, and it is extensively photographed and written about on
pages 194-197 of “Frank Wesson Gunmaker”. It is fitted with a globe spirit
SERIAL NUMBER 1
Collector’s Fact
One of approximately 50 Frank Wesson No. 1 long range Creedmoore rifles manufactured, with this rifle, serial number 1, believed to be the very first produced.
Collector’s Fact
One of approximately 100 Frank Wesson No. 2 mid range target rifles produced.
SERIAL NUMBER 10
LOT 3335
Scarce Frank Wesson No. 2 Mid Range Target Rifle - Serial no. 10, 32 cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish, highly figured checkered walnut stock. These rare rifles were manufactured from the mid-1870s through the 1880s. Though production numbers are not known, it is believed that less than 100 were manufactured. Featuring a hooded fine blade front sight with fixed height tang rear sight as well as a mounting point on the heel. Mounted to a deluxe checkered walnut stock and forend with nickel plated and rifle buttplate. The serial number “10” is marked on the frame under the lever, on the inside of the forearm, and on the wedge. These serial number markings are the only ones on the rifle.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% original blue finish with fading to brown on the balance and a few small spots of oxidation on the barrel. The frame retains 90% original nickel finish with scattered light handling marks, a frosted appearance, and high edge wear. The buttplate is also nickel plated and retains 25% with the balance a dark brown patina. Wood is very good with scattered dings and scratches and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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