Here is an original Wesson single-shot breechloading carbine in good condition. This .44 caliber, ‘two-trigger’ rimfire, Wesson military carbine is one of some 4,500 carbines produced at Worcester, Mass. Serial # “5502” stamped on the trigger guard extension. This weapon measures 39” long overall, weighs almost 6 pounds and is mated to a black walnut stock with no forend stock under the barrel. Stock appears to never have been cleaned and shows just minor dings and scuffs visible. All gunmetal has lost its original bluing but now displays a pleasing plum / gray colored patina. The 24” long octagonal, rifled barrel has a German silver blade front sight with a two-leaf rear sight. Barrel breech is slightly recessed on both sides to allow for removal of spent cartridges. Receiver screws very good.

The two-line maker address found on top flat of barrel has been worn down but some faint traces can be seen. Some of those visible stampings read “F. WESSON’S PATENT / OCT. 25, 1859 / B. KITTREDGE & CO. / CINCINNATI. O.” Most stampings are gone. Records indicate that 1,366 Wesson ‘Kittredge-marked’ carbines were supplied to state units from Kentucky. Bore is good with strong five-groove rifling and pinprick rust overall. Should clean up to semi-bright. Carbine fitted with a sling swivel under the stock but the second swivel, dovetailed under the barrel, is missing. A tip-up style action utilized with the froward trigger acting as the release for the barrel. When loading, the center-mounted hammer is brought to half cock freeing the barrel and lets the breech swing up on the forward pivot screw.

This Wesson ‘Kittredge” rimfire military carbine is a seldom-seen Civil War specimen certain to enhance any carbine collection.

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