Original Item: Only One Available. This is an extraordinary example of the VERY scarce Frank Wesson Model 1870 .32 caliber single-shot target pistol, referred to as a medium frame "pocket pistol", which would require someone to have HUGE pockets. The advertising however usually referred to these as the "Sportsman's Jewel", intended for the discerning target shooter. It is a rotating barrel design that features a 15" octagonal barrel mounted to a typical pistol sized frame. The bottom of the grip has a dovetail, intended to be used with a skeletal shoulder stock, which are extremely difficult to find. This pistol comes in its original extremely scarce presentation case, felt-lined, complete with all of its original accessories. These pistols are extremely difficult to find at all, let alone this complete.

These were available in several configurations, with the "small frame" .22 versions being much more popular. The "Large Frame" versions were made in smaller numbers, with the .32cal type reportedly only having somewhere between 100 and 250 ever made (sources conflict on this). This example is the Medium Frame 2nd Pattern M1870, which was between the two in frame size.

The pistol bears matching serial number 1433 on the grip frame under the grips, on the underside of the barrel, on the inside of both grip scales, the trigger, the breech release. The pistol itself is ALL-MATCHING, but the included shoulder stock shows the serial number 1427, which could have been a packing error given that they came separated.

The side of the barrel has the correct patent marking, which is fully intact:

FRANK WESSON WORCESTER MASS.
PATENTED MAY 31.1870.

The breech is opened via a button on the bottom, which allows the barrel to rotate. Prior to this, the hammer needs to be pulled back slightly, and the safety on the right side of the frame pushed in. The safety is fully functional in this example, and the breech opens easily when the hammer is set at safety position. The ejector is present and fully functional, and the pistol cocks and dry fires correctly, with no issues noted. The rear "peep" sight is present, as well as the front "ghost ring" globe sight, with an intact sight blade.

The nickel plating on the frame is well-retained, with some spots of heavy wear. The barrel still has a lot of the original dark blued finish, while the barrel extension is in similar condition to the frame. We checked the bore, which is in great shape with still-crisp lands & grooves, with a small bit of powder fouling present.

The grips are in good condition, showing the original wood grain well and having a lovely color. The original skeletonized butt stock is in very good shape, and locks onto the pistol securely, though the dovetail is worn.

The original case for the pistol measures 24½ x 5 x 2½”, and the exterior finish is heavily bubbled, giving the case a great patina. This appears to be the original case the pistol would have been sold with. The case interior is lined with blue felt which is nailed into the sides. The case has 35 small holes for cartridges along the back wall, and miraculously, all 35 original .32 cartridges are intact in this example! The majority of them are stamped U on the bottom, for Remington Arms Union Metallic Cartridge Company, with two of them having diamonds stamped on the bottom for the Western Cartridge Company. The case also contains a slot for the shoulder stock, a bottle of Dr. Sage's Catarrh Remedy with its original cork, from Buffalo, New York, and the original cleaning rod.

The case is in fair shape overall considering the age, but there is certainly a bit of damage to the blue felt and the wood, with some noticeable splits in the wood between the cartridge slots, and a small chunk at one end which has become disconnected but is for now able to sit in its spot. The Catarrh Remedy and cleaning rod both have small securing rods to keep them in their places. Below the slot for the pistol, there is an empty space likely meant for the user’s personal accessories such as spent casings or a screwdriver to take the pistol apart.

This is a very nice and hard to find single shot pistol, complete with its original shoulder stock, 35 original cartridges, and the original presentation case it came in. Pieces like this are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Comes ready to add to your collection!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: circa 1871
Caliber: .32 rimfire
Cartridge Type: Rimfire
Barrel Length: 15 Inches
Overall Length: 18 1/4 Inches
Overall Length with Stock: 29 1/4"
Action type: Top Action Single
Feed System: Rotating Barrel Single Shot