Original U.S. Cowles & Son .30cal. Rimfire Single Shot Derringer Pistol - Matching Serial 1821

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of one of various different 19th Century single shot pocket pistols, usually referred to as "Derringers", after the legendary pocket pistols made in Philadelphia before the civil war. These were made by many different companies, some with more success than others, most of which ended up getting bought out or went insolvent by the end of the 19th Century.

Cowles & Son was one of these companies, and had evolved from the earlier Cowles & Smith (circa 1863–1868) and W.W. Cowles, Deane & Co. (circa 1869) firms. In existence from approximately 1871 to 1876, they are mainly known for their .22 and .30 rimfire single shot pistols, which were available in a variety of barrel lengths. Today they are relatively hard to find compared to other single shot rimfire "Derringer" pistols, as they were made in small numbers, and by the late 1870s pepperbox pistols and revolvers dominated the market.

The top of the barrel on this example still shows company address markings:

COWLES.& SON.
CHICOPEE, MASS

The pistol is marked with serial number 1821 on the bottom of the "birds head" grip, the barrel, and on the inside of BOTH grip scales. That makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out over the years! The pistol has a lovely aged mottled patina on the barrel, while the frame still retains about 75% of the original plating. The grips are worn and stained, but do not show any major damage such as cracks or missing chunks.

The action opens and closes correctly when the button on the bottom of the frame is pressed, and the hammer must be in the half or full cock position for it to open. This design does not have any ejector, so the breech can be opened either way. The hammer pulls back to full cock correctly, after which it can be fired. The bore is in good condition, showing clear lands and grooves, but also areas of past light pitting from fouling and oxidation. This has been cleaned away, but it was most likely not cleaned properly after the last use.

A lovely concealable pocket pistol from the late 19th century, ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1871-1876
Caliber: .30cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 5 7/8 inches
Action: Pivoting Barrel
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.