Rare Single Shot Derringer

.30 R.F. Caliber

circa 1864-1866

A Morgan & Clapp extremely rare single shot derringer, .30 rimfire caliber with a 3 ¾” barrel.

This example shows no barrel markings, only number 2895 on the bottom of the butt strap. Many of these derringers were not marked and most had a barrel length between 3” – 3 ½”. This 3 ¾” barrel length is the longest I have ever encountered. These derringers were only made from 1864 to 1866 with a total estimated quantity of 500, divided between .30 RF caliber and .22 RF caliber.

Derringer Condition

The overall condition is NRA very good, fully functional, with a fair-to-good bore. The blued barrel has faded to a dull grey and the brass shows a nice mellow patina. The original walnut grips are very good with one small chip missing on the left top corner. The gun comes with one period original U.M.C. .30 caliber short rimfire cartridge.

History

Morgan & Clapp was a short-lived firearms manufacturing partnership based in New-Haven, Connecticut, active during the American Civil War. Founded by William Morgan and Henry Clapp, the company was part of the broader surge of small arms manufacturers in New England during the war, many of which focused on pocket pistols and derringers for civilian use or personal defense.  The firm’s output was limited, and ceased production about 1866. Their derringer was one of the smallest production runs of the many Civil War era derringers, making surviving examples rare and desirable to collectors. Despite their small size and modest design, these derringers represented the innovative spirit of American gun makers during a time of national conflict.

A very rare Civil War derringer with a rare barrel length.

Clarks Antiques Firearms – Rare Single Shot Derringer – Price $950.00

Item #1839

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