What company made the first "trapgun"?

Just wondering what company made and advertised the first gun designated for use as a trapshooting gun?

 

Live Oak,

I don't believe there is any way to verify the name of the first company to manufacture and/or advertise using the term "trap gun." So it would likely be a total guess by any poster offering an answer. However, I would make an non-certified guess as to the approximate date. My guess would be that the term started being commonly used in the U.S.A. sometime between 1870-1880.

I offer this date period only because the term "trap gun" had a different meaning prior to 1875. In searching old newspaper articles,
the term “trap-gun” was widely used in the mid 1800s, however it was not a term describing a shotgun used for competitive shooting events. Trap guns were for protection in those days and were discharged by using a string, cord or other device to pull the trigger. Yes, trap guns were placed and readied in locations that would protect property and persons from those attempting to steal or do harm.

Trap guns were sometimes used to harvest animals instead of snares and traps. Here's an article from 1847 where a "trap gun" was used to kill a wolf.

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Examples of a trap gun used for protection :

1867

1870

1872

1871
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The earliest advertisement for a "trap gun" for trap shooting is from 1882 (St. Joseph, Missouri newspaper) and specifically mentions Parker and Greener guns. I am certain there must be earlier advertisements but this is the earliest I have on file. Take note of the other information in the advertisement: “Stocks bent or straightened to fit any shoulder.” Just more proof that most of today's firearm modifications have been around since the early days of shooting.

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This 1883 advertisement in a Cincinnati, Ohio paper suggests several companies manufactured "trap guns" for the sport, naming Parker, Colt, Remington, Davis, Hollis & Sons.

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And here's a Parker Trap Gun advertised in a Decatur, Illinois newspaper in 1885.

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The earliest mention (in print) of shooting over traps in competition I'm aware of was back about 1825-26. I would not be surprised to learn that within a short few years, a competitor said "I'm grabbing my trap gun and going shooting." A step up from the longstanding term "fowling piece."

Enjoy Our History !

HB

 

Don't know the age of this Hemenway (TRAP GUN) but it was an interesting find for me though.

 

Though not very clear, here is a piece of a Dec, 1884 price list with the Hemenway (trap) gun within.

 

HB, you never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and data base concerning the history of our beloved sport. I bet when Google needs to look up something trap related they call HB!

 

Mr. Don Cogan,

You give me too much credit. I only find, read, save and report what some wonderful person wrote many years ago. We should all be thankful for those who recorded our history. I'm just a messenger who enjoys reading and who receives "pats on the back" that I really don't feel I deserve.

I'll keep on reading because I truly wish I knew a lot more about our history.

You did make me chuckle with your comment though.

Thank you Sir for your kind words.

HB

 

HB,

You my friend are way too modest.

Thank You for all you do in keeping us informed on subjects at many levels.

 

Here's a Nichols & Lefever shotgun used for trap in 1878 from a St. Louis, Missouri newspaper.



A Scott Trap Gun mentioned in 1881 in a Sydney, Australia newspaper.



HB

 

Thank you, this is really good stuff.