Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this Cowles and Son single-shot derringer today for a penny-start auction.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Cowles & Son
Model: Single-Shot Derringer
Serial: 3102
Caliber: .22 LR
Finish: Brass / Blue
Barrel Length: 3 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Round Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Birds Head Grips
Action: Single-Shot
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Cowles & Son single-shot derringer is a scarce and historically significant example of mid-19th-century American pocket firearms production. Manufactured in Chicopee, Massachusetts, these compact pistols were chambered in .22 rimfire and built around a brass frame with a 3¼-inch round barrel that pivoted from the side for loading. Designed for simplicity and concealment, the derringer employed a single-shot, spur-trigger action and minimal fixed sights, making it suitable for close-range personal defense. Production occurred primarily from the mid-1860s through the late 1870s, a period marked by strong civilian demand for small, easily carried handguns in the post–Civil War era. What sets the Cowles & Son derringer apart is its extremely limited production and distinctive construction. Approximately 200 examples are believed to have been produced around 1865, making surviving specimens particularly rare today. Most pistols were marked “Cowles & Son, Chicopee Mass” on the barrel, though some examples are known to bear only serial numbers, suggesting short production runs or transitional markings. Features such as walnut bird’s head grips, a brass-and-blue finish, and straightforward mechanical design reflect both economy and craftsmanship. Today, these derringers are highly sought after by collectors for their rarity, regional manufacture, and representation of early American efforts to produce affordable, concealable firearms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: Single-Shot Derringer
Serial: 3102
Caliber: .22 LR
Finish: Brass / Blue
Barrel Length: 3 ¼"
Optics/Sights: Round Blade Front
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut Birds Head Grips
Action: Single-Shot
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Cowles & Son single-shot derringer is a scarce and historically significant example of mid-19th-century American pocket firearms production. Manufactured in Chicopee, Massachusetts, these compact pistols were chambered in .22 rimfire and built around a brass frame with a 3¼-inch round barrel that pivoted from the side for loading. Designed for simplicity and concealment, the derringer employed a single-shot, spur-trigger action and minimal fixed sights, making it suitable for close-range personal defense. Production occurred primarily from the mid-1860s through the late 1870s, a period marked by strong civilian demand for small, easily carried handguns in the post–Civil War era. What sets the Cowles & Son derringer apart is its extremely limited production and distinctive construction. Approximately 200 examples are believed to have been produced around 1865, making surviving specimens particularly rare today. Most pistols were marked “Cowles & Son, Chicopee Mass” on the barrel, though some examples are known to bear only serial numbers, suggesting short production runs or transitional markings. Features such as walnut bird’s head grips, a brass-and-blue finish, and straightforward mechanical design reflect both economy and craftsmanship. Today, these derringers are highly sought after by collectors for their rarity, regional manufacture, and representation of early American efforts to produce affordable, concealable firearms.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
