FW Model 1859?

[DCmauser]

Has anyone ever seen, perhaps only in pictures, museum websites, etc., any of "the Frank Wesson tip-up rifles that were first made in Worcester, Massachusetts in the 1850s" for which the Buffalo Classic Rifles are "Modeled after"?
 
1850s - Sharps had a breachloader (non-metallic cartridges then) - what was the Frank Wesson rifle like, a muzzle loader?  And why were they tipping them up - trajectory?

[Ol BW]

I believe the "tip-up" referred to the action because the breech tiped up when you pushed the button, what we now call 'break-open".  But now I am not an expert. . .
 
http://www.handirifle.com/articles/Buffaloclassic/buffalo_cont.htm
 
This one is a later model but you see what I am saying. . .
 
http://www.dandyduct.com/firearmssalesinventory.html

[jedman]

   A local Cabelas had one in there used guns a couple years ago and I considered buying it and  converting it to a low pressure  centerfire cartridge like a 38 special.
 The gun they had was something near 38 cal. and was able to fire centerfire or rimfire cartridges  by simply moving the striker on the hammer .
 The gun was for sale for $ 400.00 and I passed on it so I could do a little research on it before buying,  I decided it was a good deal and called them the next day after having it in my hands and it was sold.
  The design of the gun was sound and beleive it would be safe to shoot 38 SPL.
 Many would argue that it should be left in its original caliber and left to be a wall hanger but I dont own anything I cant shoot and for $ 400.00 I dont beleive I would be ruining any valuable antique. It would have been I nice gun to plink with.   

[DCmauser]

All, thanks a lot!     - I see that most were in .44 rim-fire.
 
I web searched "Frank Wesson Rifles" but only found pistol hits  ; searched "...Carbines", and wow, so many!     Carbines ... rim-fire ... makes more sense, now.
 
http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/frank-wesson-military-carbine-1st-type-44-rimfire.htm
 
Designs looks like double-set triggers, but thats probably the latch release back then?
A double trigger guard would look cool, but would be expensive (even in plastic).