Taylor Fur Getter .22 Set Gun by F.C. T. Co. & Mossberg & Sons C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,881.01

LSB#:WY250323AV054

Make: F.C. Taylor Fur Company (Contracted through O.F. Mossberg & Sons)

Model: Taylor Fur Getter

Serial Number: 1307

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1914 ( Pre-1934; BATFE Curio & Relic / AOWExempt)

Caliber: .22 Rimfire

Action Type: Set Gun – Striker-Fired, Manually Cocked, Trip-Trigger Activated

Markings: Serial number 1307 is present on the bottom of the barrel. Additional patent or manufacturer markings are visible on the frame. The left side is marked “ TAYLOR FUR GETTER./ F.C. TAYLOR FUR CO. ST. LOUIS, MO.”. The right side is marked “PAT’D JUNE 2 1914/ OTHER PAT’S PENDING”

Barrel Length: 6″

Sights / Optics: No traditional sights; ( front sight is a brass blade) designed for point-blank vertical or horizontal trap use with baited trigger.

Grip Configuration & Condition: No conventional grip – this set-gun design features a vertical mounting stake (wood screw style) for positioning into trees, posts, or ground.

Type of Finish: Brass and steel construction

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: Bore condition not specified; these were intended for point-blank firing. Rifling is typically present even if dark.

Overall Condition: This example retains strong original character with aged brass components, an intact trigger mechanism, and striker system. Steel barrel and striker components show moderate age and oxidation, typical of use and exposure. The 11.5″ bait trigger rod is present, and the gun appears to be mechanically complete. Overall, this example rates in about Good to Very Good condition for a collectible century-old trap firearm.

Mechanics: The striker and trigger system appear mechanically functional. The action cocks, the trip trigger moves freely, and the barrel is retained securely. We did not test fire this device. As with any antique mechanical trap system, it should be inspected and handled by qualified individuals with extreme caution.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment:
This is an original and scarce example of the Taylor Fur Getter, one of the most ingenious and efficient set-gun traps ever commercially produced. Designed by Charles D. Lovelace and patented in 1914, the Fur Getter was manufactured by the F.C. Taylor Fur Company of St. Louis and later by the International Fur Exchange. The set gun was marketed during the golden age of American fur trapping, and examples today are highly sought after by collectors of frontier and trapping memorabilia.

These compact striker-fired trap guns were made with a brass and steel body, a 6″ rifled .22 caliber barrel (manufactured by O.F. Mossberg), and a long baited trip trigger arm. They were staked into the ground or mounted to trees, allowing for placement at den entrances, henhouse gaps, or along traplines to efficiently take small predators such as raccoons, mink, and foxes.

Due to the 1934 National Firearms Act, these guns were effectively banned from future production or use, but the BATFE has since classified them as Curios and Relics, recognizing their historical, collector-oriented nature. This removes them from SBR or AOW classification.

This example, serial number 1307, is in solid condition, still complete with the rare bait arm, and would be an excellent centerpiece in any collection of American trapping tools, Mossberg rarities, or early 20th-century field devices. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.