Other than that, this is a great and early example of a very distinctive breechloading rifle! The action works but the trigger return spring needs adjustment or replacement so that the trigger must be manually pushed forward while cocking the hammer. This is an early gun with a serial number of 62! The trigger guard is a separate iron piece that can act somewhat like a pistol grip. The slotted tab on the right side of the barrel is a stop that limits the travel of the barrel when pivoting. The front trigger is pulled to open the breech after the hammer has been placed in half-cock. The two-trigger design is perhaps the most eye-catching part of this rifle. This rifle is particularly slim, light and handy. Edwards puts it in his book, “they were more popular with the guerrillas and irregular troops in the border fighting.” It is truly amazing the diversity of rifles and carbines that were used during the American Civil War. While it is unclear whether or not Federal troops used these carbines, it is known that Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio purchased these for their state militias. 44 caliber rimfire carbine format that was specifically geared for Cavalry troops.
Frank Wesson made a version of his rifle in a.
The Civil War was a fantastic opportunity for many different inventors and over 20 different carbines were used during the conflict on the Union side. He was granted patents in 1859 and began producing rifles of this two-trigger configuration. The fame of his family’s name was not lost on Frank as he was, in fact, a prolific firearms designer and maker in his own right. Wesson, of Smith & Wesson, as well as Edwin Wesson, who was also a highly-esteemed gunsmith in the mid-to-late-1800s. Frank Wesson was the younger brother of Daniel B. Here we present a low serial number antique Frank Wesson First Model Two-Trigger Military Carbine, made circa 1859 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Used by the Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri & Kansas State Militias LOW Serial Number CIVIL WAR Frank Wesson RIFLE