Very Rare Frank Wesson & Nathan Harrington Single Shot 22RF Derringer 1859

Serial #37, .22 RF, 3 inch round step down barrel with a fine bore having good rifling and light roughness.  This is the Frank Wesson & Nathan Harrington small frame single shot pistol manufactured in 1859 during the six month existence of the partnership that saw only an estimated 100 of these produced.  Nathan Harrington  was the uncle of Gilbert Harrington who in the 1870's produced many guns also marked “Wesson & Harrington”.  The top of the barrel is marked in three lines ''WESSON & HARRINGTON'', ''WORCESTER MASS.'', ''PATENT APPLIED FOR'', which is different than later examples with the 1859 patent date.  In fine overall condition the blue barrel is a mottled pewter gray with very good markings and crisp knurling at the muzzle and transition band at the step down point.  The Frame shows a very pleasing, mellow brass patina.  The grips are solid with one tiny chip on the lower right scale with some very small use marks with a smooth surface.  All numbered parts correctly match and the hammer holds at half and full cock with a crisp trigger pull.  The lock up is tight.  A fine example of a rarely seen pocket pistol that represents an important piece of American Firearms history.  Antique