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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.