Page 197 - Auction84-Book3

AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK FRANK WESSON GUNMAKER VOL. III
LOT 3357
Frank Wesson No. 2 Mid Range Target Under Lever Falling Block Rifle with Very Scarce 32 Inch Barrel - Serial no. 36, 45/70 cal., 32 inch
octagon bbl., blue/casehardened/nickel finish, 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 one hundred were manufactured. Featuring
a hooded fine blade front sight with mid range tang rear sight as
well as a mounting point on the heel. The rare 32 inch heavy octagon barrel is marked “FRANK WESSON WORCESTER. MASS/MID RANGE RIFLE”. Mounted to a deluxe checkered walnut stock and forend with nickel plated and rifle buttplate. The serial number “36” is marked on the frame under the lever, on the inside of the forearm, and on the wedge. This
rare rifle is photographed in “Frank Wesson Gunmaker Volume III on page 240.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 80% blue finish on the barrel with handling marks and scattered patches of
oxidation. Receiver retains 70% original muted case colors with scattered handling marks and the balance thinning to an attractive gray patina.
Lever retains 60% original nickel finish with the balance a dark brown patina as well as a frosted appearance. Wood is very fine with scattered dings and scratches, high edge wear, and softened checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Collector’s Fact
One of only approximately 100 Frank Wesson No. 2 single shot rifles produced.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
1880s with total production of the No. 2 standing at less than 100. Others have suggested that Wesson manufactured less than 75 No. 2s. A very rare single shot rifle. The rifle lacks a caliber marking. Muzzle measures at approximately .42 caliber.
The top barrel flat is marked “F. WESSON MAKER/Worcester, Mass.” The barrel is fitted with a
hooded aperture front, block filled rear dovetail, and peep tang sight with a mounting point near the
heel. The serial number “21” appears on the bottom of the receiver under the lever, breechblock and barrel
under the forearm. Blue barrel and casehardened hammer and breechblock with remaining surfaces nickel plated. The checkered
forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured select walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a checkered iron shotgun style buttplate. Reportedly this rifle is photographed on page 235 in Volume Three of “Frank Wesson Gunmaker”.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% original blue and 90% original nickel with scattered handling marks, some chemical stains visible on the barrel, and a small patch of flaking on the frame. Wood is also very fine with most of the varnish, scattered dings and scratches and overall softened checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Milan J. Turk Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,000
LOT 3358
Extremely Scarce Frank Wesson No. 2 Mid Range Target Under
Lever Falling Block Rifle - Serial no. 21, 42 Berdan cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue/nickel finish, walnut stock. Exact manufacture
dates for this rifle have been lost to time, but experts
believe that Wesson manufactured under lever falling
block rifles from the early or mid-1870s through the
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