Another Gun I need help IDing - The Firearms Forum

Jeff Tea · 09-15-2012, 06:54 PM

This gun was used by my wife's grandfather in the Russia Army. I think it was made in the US though, and sold to the Russians. As the story goes her grandfather brought it to America when he emigrated here. Then gave it to her Father who recently passed away and left it to her. I think it is a .22 short. Rim fire, swing breach single shot design. No markings anywhere on the gun, (that I can find). Possibly a Frank Wesson?
Any comments would be helpful. Not sure if the story is accurate.

Jeff Tea · 09-15-2012, 07:06 PM

I am new to this forum and I apologize in advance if I fail to post correctly. I can see by the other posts that closer pictures are really required in order to identify a gun. Please bear with me as I learn the proper etiquette.

hrf · 09-15-2012, 08:02 PM

Welcome to the forum Jeff, and your photos are better than many posted here.

Anything's possible but I doubt it was ever outside the USA, as it looks exactly like those made 1860s by Bacon Mfg. Co. of Norwich, CT.

Some are also marked Merwin & Bray, a NY sporting goods dealer.

Unfortunately, the barrel is badly pitted and markings are likely gone.

It's just hard to picture a Russian soldier carrying such an impotent weapon, or that any would have been exported.

Jim K · 09-15-2012, 10:45 PM

There were several makers of almost identical guns in the U.S. Like hrf, I doubt it was made anywhere else or that it was ever used or adopted by any army. That does not mean a soldier might not have carried something like that for personal protection but even that seems extremely unlikely.

Jim

09-15-2012, 06:54 PM	#1
Jeff Tea Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Kintnersville,Pa. Posts: 17	Another Gun I need help IDing This gun was used by my wife's grandfather in the Russia Army. I think it was made in the US though, and sold to the Russians. As the story goes her grandfather brought it to America when he emigrated here. Then gave it to her Father who recently passed away and left it to her. I think it is a .22 short. Rim fire, swing breach single shot design. No markings anywhere on the gun, (that I can find). Possibly a Frank Wesson? Any comments would be helpful. Not sure if the story is accurate. Attached Images -->

09-15-2012, 07:06 PM	#2
Jeff Tea Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Kintnersville,Pa. Posts: 17	Re: Another Gun I need help IDing I am new to this forum and I apologize in advance if I fail to post correctly. I can see by the other posts that closer pictures are really required in order to identify a gun. Please bear with me as I learn the proper etiquette.

09-15-2012, 08:02 PM	#3
hrf Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,276	Re: Another Gun I need help IDing Welcome to the forum Jeff, and your photos are better than many posted here. Anything's possible but I doubt it was ever outside the USA, as it looks exactly like those made 1860s by Bacon Mfg. Co. of Norwich, CT. Some are also marked Merwin & Bray, a NY sporting goods dealer. Unfortunately, the barrel is badly pitted and markings are likely gone. It's just hard to picture a Russian soldier carrying such an impotent weapon, or that any would have been exported. Last edited by hrf; 09-15-2012 at 08:06 PM..

09-15-2012, 10:45 PM	#4
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Another Gun I need help IDing There were several makers of almost identical guns in the U.S. Like hrf, I doubt it was made anywhere else or that it was ever used or adopted by any army. That does not mean a soldier might not have carried something like that for personal protection but even that seems extremely unlikely. Jim