R. C. Taylor Fur Getter .22 Long Rifle LR Single Shot Trap Gun, 1920s C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,035

WOA#: WY240318RU119

Make: R. C. Taylor Fur Co.

Model: Taylor Fur Getter

Serial Number: 287

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1920s

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Hook-Trigger Trap gun

Markings: The left of the receiver is marked “TAYLOR FUR GETTER / R. C. TAYLOR FUR CO. ST. LOUIS MO”, the right is marked “PAT’D JUNE 2 1914 / OTHER PAT’S PENDING”. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel and receiver.

Barrel Length: 6″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch integral to the top-rear of the receiver.

Type of Finish: Brass

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This trap gun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The brass has gone to a mustard patina with some scattered discoloration. The steel components have gone to a light patina. There is operational wear and a few nicks and scratches. The markings are clear. Overall, this trap gun is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trap is set by pressing the hook to the rear while pulling the striker to the rear. Once set, the gun will fire if the hook is pulled forward. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the installed screw- and detachable stake-mount.

Our Assessment: Founded in 1870, F.C. Taylor Fur Co. was a big name in the lucrative fur market. Being base in St. Louis along the Mississippi, they were well placed to supply and trade with fur trappers. Around 1914, the company purchased a set-gun design from inventor Charles Lovelace which they patented and sold as the “Fur Getter”. Once the gun was staked in place, a round would be loaded in the barrel, the barrel installed on the receiver, and a plunger at the rear could be pulled back to set the hooked trigger (with bait on the hook, of course). The arm of the hook could be set at various elevations for different sized animals. The design was simple and quite effective, nearly always resulting in a head shot due to the placement of the hook, thus preserving the pelt.

This example is fairly well preserved and still functions properly, though the safety cotter pin is not present. These set-guns are classified as a Curio and Relic by the ATF, so they can still be collected, but the fish cops will likely frown on using one for its intended purpose. This will make a very neat addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud