Breechldrs Frank Wesson Type 1 Two Trigger Carbine Early 1863

Joined
May 1, 2015
Location
Upstate N.Y.
Franklin Wesson (1828-1899) probably the least know of the three brothers Edwin and of course Daniel whom became part of Smith & Wesson. Invented and designed many firearms in his own right. The Two Trigger Carbines were made in .22, .32, .38 & the Civil war version in .44 long RF. There were also sporting models in his products. The Type 1 was approx. 2000 pieces. B. Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio was his agent. The US government purchased 150 pieces. The many other thousands that
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #11.jpg
followed were purchased by the Mid-West states for their Militia's. A 24" oct. barrel, 39.5" OAL, sights 100,250 & 500yds. sling swivels, weighing 5.75 pounds. The forend is cast metal as part of receiver with a walnut stock. The .44 longRF same as used in the Ballard was only slightly more powerful then the Henry .44. The early version lacked an ejector which did not help with it's acceptance. Fingernails, knife or cleaning rod were used to unload the spent cartridge. It's longevity lasted through the Civil War and well into the Indian Wars. This piece is serial #1634 and does have the B.Kittredge stamp although very faint and hard to see. It feels like carrying a .22 instead of a Rifle Musket more the twice it's weight. Like carrying a M1 Carbine instead of a M1 Garand. The action was basically like a single barrel shotgun in that it broke open by using the front trigger to load and remove the spent cartridge case. For your enjoyment
.44 rf long rifle Ballard & Wesson  #1.png
.44 rf long rifle Ballard & Wesson  #2.png
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #5.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #7.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #8.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #10.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #11.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #13.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #14.jpg
Frank Wesson Ser.#1634 Two Trigger 1st type  #15.jpg
 
Last edited:
Update for those with inquiring minds. I wondered about the drilled hole in the left side of the wrist. Photos that I have seen all show it. Some with reasons that do not make sense. After more searching I found the answer. See photos https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_414598 at the National Museum of American History. The carbine shown is about 300 earlier then mine. Note there is no swivel mount or cutout for one on the barrel. The forward sling swivel evidently had been mounted on the wrist, as seen in one photo. This also might eliminate the need for a sling bar and ring. So it was not a missing screw or an access hole.
 
Last edited:
Update for those with inquiring minds. I wondered about the drilled hole in the left side of the wrist. Photos that I have seen all show it. Some with reasons that do not make sense. After more searching I found the answer. See photos https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_414598 at the National Museum of American History. The carbine shown is about 300 earlier then mine. Note there is no swivel mount or cutout for one on the barrel. The forward sling swivel evidently had been mounted on the wrist, as seen in one photo. This also might eliminate the need for a sling bar and ring. So it was not a missing screw or an access hole.
I’d be curious to see just how many had the saddle ring wrist mounted before it was no longer used….I presume some but not all of the .44 military models had them, at least the earliest in production
 
I have noticed another variation, and without reference guides and photos, would you happen to know why yours has a smooth left side whereas I have seen many .44 military models with the circular cutout for access to the hammer & spring, as shown in the pic below (compared with yours) - assume it’s a early to late/model differentiation? Do you know which model yours is?

F4BE040E-F912-4A98-B2F3-3FF8C0A13DD9.jpeg


6AF2C2CF-BECA-47B3-9885-2C8E013E388A.jpeg
 
Last edited:
From what I have read it appears Mr. Wesson was constantly making upgrades/changes to his rifle. Many calibers, types of or lack of ejectors, bronze finish, sporting stocks, military, etc. Just doing a quick google search there are both versions of this side plate in lower and higher serial numbers then mine. Someday when I dig out my 3 volume set of "Frank Wesson Gunmaker" I'll try to nail something more telling.
 
The reason it does not feel like a rifle musket is that it isn't one. It is a carbine firing a much smaller and less powerful round - a pistol round - just like the M1 carbine and the M1 Garand. It will not have the range or stopping power of a .58 rifle musket. Each has their own pros and cons - and uses. Their really is no comparison.
 
The reason it does not feel like a rifle musket is that it isn't one. It is a carbine firing a much smaller and less powerful round - a pistol round - just like the M1 carbine and the M1 Garand. It will not have the range or stopping power of a .58 rifle musket. Each has their own pros and cons - and uses. Their really is no comparison.
As I stated it is a Carbine. My comment was only to compare weight and size for those not familiar with it.
 
Franklin Wesson (1828-1899) probably the least know of the three brothers Edwin and of course Daniel whom became part of Smith & Wesson. Invented and designed many firearms in his own right. The Two Trigger Carbines were made in .22, .32, .38 & the Civil war version in .44 long RF. There were also sporting models in his products. The Type 1 was approx. 2000 pieces. B. Kittredge & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio was his agent. The US government purchased 150 pieces. The many other thousands thatView attachment 413784 followed were purchased by the Mid-West states for their Militia's. A 24" oct. barrel, 39.5" OAL, sights 100,250 & 500yds. sling swivels, weighing 5.75 pounds. The forend is cast metal as part of receiver with a walnut stock. The .44 longRF same as used in the Ballard was only slightly more powerful then the Henry .44. The early version lacked an ejector which did not help with it's acceptance. Fingernails, knife or cleaning rod were used to unload the spent cartridge. It's longevity lasted through the Civil War and well into the Indian Wars. This piece is serial #1634 and does have the B.Kittredge stamp although very faint and hard to see. It feels like carrying a .22 instead of a Rifle Musket more the twice it's weight. Like carrying a M1 Carbine instead of a M1 Garand. The action was basically like a single barrel shotgun in that it broke open by using the front trigger to load and remove the spent cartridge case. For your enjoymentView attachment 413775View attachment 413776View attachment 413778View attachment 413779View attachment 413781View attachment 413782View attachment 413784View attachment 413785View attachment 413786View attachment 413787
Can you show me a photo of the serial number on the front sight? Just curious how it appears compared to the one behind the trigger guard
 
Interesting - different shape than what I’ve seen elsewhere, perhaps difference in Kitteridge vs other? I’m wondering if it may be a replacement on yours, as it seems the corresponding serial numbers were pretty apparent on the tops of the military front sites; I’ve seen a couple so far in photos elsewhere. Wish I’d saved a couple Pics other than this one I just found in the web, which is hard to see.

IMG_2759.jpeg
 
Back
Top