E. WESSON COMPANY

Edwin Wesson was the elder brother of D.B. Wesson, and was a gunsmith and rifle maker with a shop in Northboro, MA. E. Wesson Company was known for its accurate target rifles. On Dec. 12, 1842, 17-year-old D.B. Wesson began a four year apprenticeship under his brother. In 1846, Samuel Colt visited the company, along with Captain Walker. He ordered 1,000 barrels from the company. On January 18, 1847, Captain Walker wrote to the Wessons, requesting a .50 cal., 8 lb. rifle to use for his regiment. He ordered 1,000 rifles on Feb 7, 1847. In 1848, D.B. Wesson completed his apprenticeship and continued to work with his brother. On January 29, 1849, Edwin Wesson died suddenly, leaving his company and his brother in financial ruin. The bond holders formed a new company, the Wesson Rifle Company.