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LOT 93
Exceptionally Fine Cased Exhibition Quality
Factory Acid Etched, Engraved, and Gold
Plated Moore’s Patent Firearms Co. Front Loading
Teatfire Revolver with Antique Ivory Grips - Serial no.
10723, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., gold finish, antique ivory grips.
Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Co. was one of the major competitors in the metallic
cartridge revolver market in 1861-1865, which was mostly controlled by Smith
& Wesson through Rollin White’s patent on bored through cylinders. The company later operated
as the National Arms Company until it was purchased by Colt in 1870. The majority of the
approximately 30,000 Moore’s patent front loading pocket revolvers manufactured in 1864-1870
did not show nearly the level of embellishment seen on this example. Only a small number received
full deluxe, exhibition quality treatment as seen on this particular piece, which features a full gold plated finish,
ornate acid etching on the barrel and cylinder, and an elaborately engraved frame. The etching and engraving
feature scrollwork along with floral accents, and the cylinder also includes a very desirable etched American eagle
motif, indicating that this revolver may have been made for presentation to someone of status for the role they
played during the Civil War. The barrel is marked “MOORE’S PAT FIREARMS Co. BROOKLYN, N.Y.” in a panel, and the
cylinder has “D. WILLIAMSON’S PATENT JANUARY 5, 1864” marked in a floral panel near the rear edge. “7023” is
marked on the underside of the barrel. Includes an attractive hardwood case with an interior cartridge block containing a full compliment of teat-fire cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original gold plated finish with some mild wear, mostly on handling/high spots, and the etching and engraving remaining very crisp overall. The grips are very fine with a few
light handling marks and a hairline crack in the butt of the right panel. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a few minor chips and cracks. An exceptionally attractive Moore’s Patent revolver with exhibition or presentation
quality embellishment!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 92
Exceptional Civil War Era
Factory Engraved Moore’s
Patent Firearms Single
Action Belt Revolver with Desirable Smith & Wesson
Markings and Case - Serial no. 7096, 32 RF cal., 5 inch
octagon bbl., blue/silver/casehardened finish, walnut grips.
These distinctive seven-shot rimfire pocket revolvers were
manufactured by the Moore’s Patent Firearms Company circa
1861-1863, prior to Moore suffering a loss of an infringement
suit brought by Smith & Wesson relating to Rollin White’s patents, forcing the company
to subsequently shift to manufacturing a front loading teat-fire revolver. A number of
these were known to have been privately purchased by Union officers and enlisted
men during the Civil War. Features very attractive Nimschke style scroll engraving
with beaded backgrounds on the frame, patterns on the back strap, and starbursts
on the bottom of the trigger guard and butt. The top of the barrel is marked “MANFD
FOR SMITH & WESSON BY MOORE’S PAT. FIRE ARMS Co.” and has a nickel-silver bead
front sight, the underside of the barrel is numbered “7096”, and “PATENTED APRIL 3, 1855 & SEPT. 18. 1860.” is marked on the
seven-shot cylinder. Includes a period mahogany case with red velvet lined fitted interior, and a 50-count box of Union Metallic
Cartridge Co. .32 Long rimfire cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% plus bright original blue finish on the barrel and 95% on the cylinder with some
scattered minor surface flaking visible on the forward portion of barrel and smooth brown patina on the balance, 97% original silver plating on the frame and grip straps with an attractive original slightly tarnished appearance,
sharp engraving, and 85% plus vivid original case colors on the hammer. Grip is excellent with most of the original piano varnish finish, some minor surface flaking on the lower right edge, a few minor handling marks, distinct
edges, and tight fit. Mechanically excellent. Case is fine with scattered dings and scratches, a few cracks visible on the lid, and general age related fading on the interior.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000