Historical Context: The Wesson Brothers and the Rise of Revolvers
Background of Frank Wesson and Daniel Wesson Partnership
The world of antique firearms is a treasure trove of ingenuity, a testament to human creativity in the face of necessity and ambition. Amongst the many remarkable designs from the 19th century, few are as uniquely captivating as the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short pistol. This diminutive handgun, a marvel of its time, combined innovation with compact design, leaving a lasting impression on the history of firearms. It’s a story of a talented inventor, a burgeoning industry, and a firearm that exemplifies the spirit of the era.
The Shift to Derringers and Special Designs
Frank Wesson, along with his brother Daniel, was a name synonymous with innovation in the world of American firearms. Their combined efforts, particularly with the development of early revolvers, set a course for their individual achievements. However, the brothers would eventually embark on independent paths, with Frank focusing on a variety of unique designs. While Daniel Wesson would become famous for his revolvers, Frank, driven by an independent streak and a flair for unusual solutions, would venture into the creation of pistols that often defied conventional notions of firearm design. The Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short is a perfect embodiment of this ingenuity.
Competition and Innovation
The firearm market in the latter half of the nineteenth century was a dynamic landscape of competition and constant innovation. The desire for easily concealed, yet effective, personal protection fueled a demand for smaller, more discreet handguns. This demand spurred the development of a vast array of pocket pistols and derringers, each striving for an edge in the crowded market. Frank Wesson, recognizing this trend, clearly sought to offer a product that would stand out from the crowd. The Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short certainly achieved that goal.
Unveiling the Frank Wesson Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short
Physical Description
The first glance at the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short is a moment of intrigue. Its diminutive size is immediately apparent, making it one of the smallest handguns of its kind. Its appearance is a testament to innovative design. The most striking feature is, of course, the three barrels. These barrels are meticulously stacked one above the other. This stacked arrangement, a signature of Wesson’s design philosophy, was an ingenious way to pack multiple shots into a compact package. The sleek, clean lines of the design were quite advanced for the period.
Caliber and Ammunition
The firing mechanism is a testament to simple mechanical efficiency. Pulling the hammer back cocks each of the three firing pins, readying the pistol to fire. After firing one barrel, the hammer would need to be manually cocked again to fire the next barrel. This design required careful handling and a degree of patience but offered the advantage of multiple shots from a small, easily concealable pistol. The loading process also reflects the simplicity of the design. The barrels would be loaded individually, and the spent casings would need to be manually extracted.
Manufacturing and Production
The frame, as the name suggests, is small. This miniaturization was crucial for concealment, allowing the pistol to be easily hidden in a pocket or concealed on the person. The materials used were chosen to balance durability with weight. Many examples feature blued steel barrels and frame, although nickel-plated finishes were also common. The grips are typically made of wood. They are beautifully fitted, often with a fine checkering to enhance grip. The grips’ finish often varied, with walnut being a common choice.
The pistol would bear manufacturer markings, typically including the maker’s name and possibly a patent date, a testament to Wesson’s innovation. These markings are often found on the frame or the barrel. A careful examination of these markings can provide valuable information about the pistol’s manufacture and help to authenticate its originality. The presence of original markings significantly enhances the collectibility of the firearm.
The caliber of this compact marvel is .22 Short. The .22 Short was, at the time, a popular cartridge, offering a balance of small size and affordable cost. The choice of the .22 Short indicates a focus on concealment and ease of use rather than raw power. The .22 Short cartridge, a relatively low-powered round, was suitable for close-range defense. The selection indicates the pistol’s intended function as a personal defense weapon.
The manufacturing process of this handgun reflects the craftsmanship of the era. The barrels, frame, and other components were precisely machined and carefully assembled. The overall attention to detail suggests that the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short was designed for quality and durability.
While exact production numbers are difficult to ascertain, the Frank Wesson pistol is a comparatively rare firearm. This rarity, combined with its unique design, contributes to its desirability among collectors. Production likely spanned several years, and variations in finish and minor design elements add to the intrigue for collectors. The historical timeline of production reflects its relevance within the 19th-century firearms market.
Features and Functionality
Advantages of the Design
The design of the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short offered distinct advantages. The primary benefit was the availability of three shots in a compact package. Three rounds offered a significant advantage over single-shot derringers in a situation where rapid follow-up shots might be necessary. The fact that it was a Small Frame design facilitated concealment. Its small size allowed it to be readily concealed in a pocket, making it an ideal choice for those seeking discreet personal protection.
Limitations and Drawbacks
The limitations, however, are important to understand. The .22 Short cartridge, while relatively common, wasn’t known for its stopping power. The reload process was slow, requiring the manual extraction of spent casings and the individual loading of each barrel. This would be a significant disadvantage in a high-stress encounter. The limited capacity of three shots would also have been a drawback in a prolonged engagement.
Target Audience and Intended Use
Given these characteristics, the pistol likely appealed to a specific audience. It would have been favored by those seeking a readily concealable handgun for self-defense, particularly individuals who valued discretion and the potential for multiple shots over raw power. It could have been carried by a wide array of people.
The Frank Wesson Pistol in History and Collectibility
Historical Significance
The Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short holds a unique place in the history of firearms. It represents a departure from conventional pistol designs of the period. The stacked-barrel configuration, a hallmark of Wesson’s innovation, demonstrated a creative approach to achieving multiple shots in a compact format. This firearm exemplifies the innovative spirit of the nineteenth century, a time when firearms manufacturers were constantly experimenting with new designs and technologies. It’s a tangible reminder of the evolution of firearms and the ingenuity of designers like Frank Wesson.
Collectibility and Value
Today, the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short is highly sought after by collectors of antique firearms. Its rarity, unique design, and historical significance contribute to its value. The value of these pistols depends on a number of factors, including the condition, the presence of original markings, and any historical documentation that might accompany the firearm. Perfectly preserved examples can fetch significant prices at auction, particularly those with original accessories.
Variations
Variations of the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short do exist, adding to the allure for collectors. These variations may include different finishes (blued steel, nickel-plated), minor design changes, or variations in grip materials. The variations add another layer of interest for collectors and further contribute to the historical importance of this exceptional piece.
Comparisons and Contrasts
Compared to Other Derringers
Compared to other derringers of the era, the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short stands out. While many derringers featured single barrels or, at most, two barrels, the three-barrel configuration set the Wesson apart. The sleek design of the Frank Wesson pistol, combined with its craftsmanship, distinguished it from many of its contemporaries.
Compared to Other Wesson Models
Compared to other Wesson models, the Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short illustrates Frank Wesson’s innovative approach to firearms design. While other Wesson creations were often more conventional in their operation, this particular pistol showcases his preference for unique design solutions. It emphasizes Wesson’s ability to challenge the status quo and create handguns that are both functionally innovative and aesthetically appealing.
Conclusion
The Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short pistol is a true testament to the innovative spirit of nineteenth-century firearms design. From its unique stacked barrel configuration to its compact size, this pistol embodies the ingenuity of its creator, Frank Wesson. The choice of the .22 Short cartridge further defines its role as a readily concealable personal defense weapon.
Its impact on firearms design is evident in its departure from conventional norms and its pioneering approach to achieving multiple shots in a small package. It is a piece of firearms history, offering an insight into the challenges and innovations of its time.
Ultimately, the Frank Wesson Small Frame Stacked Three Barrel 22 Short stands as a tiny triumph, a testament to the human capacity for invention. Its compact design combined with its multi-barrel capability, made it a firearm unique in its time. This diminutive firearm continues to fascinate collectors and firearms enthusiasts.
