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LOT 1107
Attractive Factory Acid
Etched, Engraved, and
Silver Plated Moore’s Patent Firearms Co. Front
Loading Teatfire Revolver with Ivory Grips
and Very Scarce Factory Picture Box - Serial no.
10833, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., silver
finish, antique ivory grips. Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Co. was one of the
major competitors for Smith & Wesson in the metallic cartridge revolver market in 1861-1865 and then 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 were finished in blue and silver, and only a smaller number received full deluxe treatment as seen on this
example which features a full silver plated finish, ornate acid etching on the barrel and cylinder, an elaborately engraved frame, and smooth antique ivory grips. The etching and engraving feature scrollwork
along with floral accents, and the cylinder also includes a harbor scene. 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 near the rear edge. “10833” is marked on the underside of the barrel. Includes a very scarce factory picture box.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% of the original silver finish in sheltered areas with the balance mostly a bright grey patina or attractively aged brass and the etching and engraving both remaining crisp. The grips
are also fine with an attractively aged tone and some hairline age cracks. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with some moderate handling/storage wear, mostly on edges and corners.
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1106
Attractive, Cased, Factory Acid Etched,
Engraved, and Silver Plated Moore’s Patent
Firearms Co. Front Loading Teatfire Revolver with
Ivory Grips - Serial no. 1349, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., silver
finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured c. 1864-1870, these front loading
teat-fire revolvers were one of many imaginative revolver designs which were
produced to compete in the metallic cartridge revolver market in the mid to late
19th century, a market which was almost entirely controlled by Smith & Wesson through Rollin
White’s bored through cylinder patent. Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Co. produced around 30,000 of
these revolvers, evolving into the National Arms Company before eventually being bought out
by Colt in 1870. The vast majority of these revolvers were finished in the standard blue and silver
with light or no engraving, unlike this example which is highly embellished with a deluxe finish.
This example has very attractive floral scroll engraving on the frame and some small flourishes
on the barrel, while the cylinder shows a very attractive acid etched forest hunting scene. The
standard Moore’s Patent address is on top of the barrel and the Williamson’s patent marking is
at the rear of the cylinder. It is fitted with a pair of smooth antique ivory grips. Includes a relined
presentation case with a rosewood veneer exterior and an interior cartridge block containing 10
teat-fire cartridges, a cleaning rod, and a key.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the original silver finish with some scattered
speckled light flaking, some mild wear on edges/high spots, and both the acid etching and engraving remaining crisp. The
grips are fine with an attractively aged tone and noticeable vertical hairline age lines. The relined case is very good with some
mild handling/storage evidence. A very attractive, deluxe finished, Moore’s Patent revolver!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,000
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