Frank Wesson Model 1870 Pocket Rifle Medium Frame .32 RF 15″ Pistol Antique
SOLD FOR: $1525
LSB#: 220415BB029
Make: Frank Wesson
Model: 1870 Medium Frame Pocket Rifle, “Sportsmans Jewel”, “Bicycle Rifle”
Serial Number: 224
Year of Manufacture: 1870-1893, Antique
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Action Type: Single Shot Rotating Breech Pistol
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “FRANK WESSON WORCESTER MASS. / PATENTED MAY 31, 1870.”. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number “224”. The bottom of the barrel assembly is marked “224” but it is obscured by the frame. Each grip panel is stamped with the serial number, “224” on the inside. The included detachable shoulder stock is marked “224”.
Barrel Length: 15”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is small post in a base that is dovetailed into the barrel. The front sight previously had a globe but it has snapped off. The rear sight has is an aperture peep sight with three circular holes. The rear sight has an elevation screw and is screwed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood panels that appear to be rosewood. There are some scattered light draglines and compressions. There is a small chip on the bottom edge of both panels. There are no cracks. There front edges of the panels are shy to the grip frame. The grips rate in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Patina, Originally Nickel Frame with Blued Barrel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is worn but well defined. There is scattered pitting and erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its current metal finish. There is a patina on the blued components. There is finish wear on the edges. There are some scattered little nicks and dings. There are some scattered areas of discoloration from previous oxidation and there are scattered areas of erosion, the erosion is most noticeable on the butt of the grip frame. The metal has areas of scabbing. There are some scattered scuffs. There is standard operational wear. The frame has lost its finish. The screw heads range are tool marked with useable slots. The markings are mainly legible with soft edges. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup has some wobble. To release the barrel, the hammer is retracted and a button on the left side of the frame is pushed to hold it back, the button on the bottom of the frame is then pressed and the barrel will swing out to the right. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a serial matching skeleton stock. The stock is marked “224” just in front of the screw.
Our Assessment: Trading somewhat heavily on the name of his older brother, Dan Wesson of Smith & Wesson fame, Frank Wesson began his own firearms manufacturing company where he made various single-shot rifles and single, double and triple barrel handguns. This example was one of his more successful designs, and was even dubbed the “Sportsmans Jewel”. A simple, robust single-shot rimfire pocket rifle, it was available in .22 and .32 caliber rimfire with barrel lengths from 10 to 22 inches. This example chambered in .32 Rimfire has its original finish and a 15” barrel, better still, it even comes with a serial number matching stock!!! This might make for an interesting add-on to a Smith & Wesson collection or be an addition to or a start on a new Frank Wesson collection. Please see our photos and good luck!