Frank Wesson Carbine / SOLD

Frank Wesson Carbine - Inventory Number: RIF 183 / SOLD

This scarce .44 caliber rimfire – 1st Type Frank Wesson carbine was made circa 1859 to 1863. Only about 2,000 were manufactured and many were lost in the first years of the Civil War. Kittredge supplied 760 carbines to Indiana, 1,366 to Kentucky, and many to the Kansas and Missouri state units. It is stamped on the barrel "B KITTREDGE & CO CINCINNATI O". 150 were also reported as purchased by the U.S. government. These were made and distributed during the Civil War. They are also referred to as Two Trigger Frank Wesson rifles.  These are interesting in that, as one trigger allows the barrel to tip up for loading. The first type is easily distinguished by the slotted link which is mounted on the right side of the barrel. This link limits barrel travel when the gun is broken open to load. The overall length is approx. 39.5". The 24" Features full octagon barrel, dovetail front sight, military two leaf folding rear sight, barrel sling swivel, two triggers, rear sling swivel, walnut stock. No U.S. markings, as these were sent to state militias.  The action functions correctly. Frank Wesson carbines were used by Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, and Missouri units. They were not inspected or US marks. This is a representative example of a scarce Civil War carbine, especially the first type.

Kittredge later became the company that was famous for its Colt advertising and nicknaming the Colt Lightning, Thunderer, and Omnipotent

Inventory Number: RIF 183 / SOLD