*SOLD* Frank Wesson 3rd Type .22 LR Blue *ANTIQUE TWO TRIGGER SPORTING RIFLE*

Bryant Ridge's Analysis:

The Frank Wesson 3rd Type Two Trigger Sporting Rifle is a compelling example of 19th-century American firearm innovation, particularly known for its role in pioneering the use of metallic rimfire cartridges. This single-shot rifle, chambered in .22 Long Rifle, showcases the craftsmanship of Frank Wesson, who, along with N.S. Harrington, patented several key improvements in breech-loading firearms during the mid-19th century. The model features a 22 ¾" half-octagon, half-round barrel finished in blue, paired with a nickel-plated receiver, giving it a distinctive, period-appropriate appearance. The rifle’s blade front sight and adjustable rear sight offer precision for target shooting or small game hunting. The classic smooth hardwood crescent buttstock completes the elegant silhouette, offering both aesthetic appeal and functional ergonomics.
 
This 3rd Type model is particularly notable for incorporating Wesson’s 1872 adjustable hammer patent, which allowed the rifle to be configured for either rimfire or centerfire cartridges, increasing its versatility during a period of rapid ammunition evolution. Markings on the barrel—"F. WESSON WORCESTER MASS/PAT'D OCT 25 1859 & NOV 11 1862"—along with the hammer stamp—"pat. apr. 9,1872"—highlight the rifle’s lineage and innovation. Historically, Frank Wesson rifles were adopted by several state militias during the American Civil War, including those of Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio, due in part to their lightweight design and reliability. The Wesson design was among the first successful breechloaders to utilize rimfire metallic cartridges—technologically advanced for the era, when most other designs still relied on separate percussion caps. This specific sporting variant, produced between 1872 and 1888, represents the culmination of Wesson’s developments and remains a significant piece of American firearms history, both mechanically and militarily.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Frank Wesson
Model: 3rd Type Two Trigger Sporting Rifle 
Serial: 837
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle 
Finish: Blue Barrel with Nickel Receiver 
Barrel Length: 22 ¾" Half Octagon / Half Round Barrel  
Optics/Sights: Blade Front with Adjustable Rear 
Stock/Grips: Smooth Hardwood Crescent Buttstock 
Action: Single-Shot 
Markings: Standard / The top of the barrel is marked "F. WESSON WORCESTER MASS/PAT'D OCT 25 1859 & NOV 11 1862" / The hammer is stamped “PAT. APR. 9,1872”

Jun 25th 2025 Bryant Ridge

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