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LOT 116
Scarce Engraved, Etched,
and Silver Plated National Arms Co. Front Loading
Teat-Fire Pocket Revolver with Very Scarce Factory
Picture Box - Serial no. 22564, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4 inch
round bbl., silver finish, rosewood grips. Manufactured
from 1864 to 1874 by Moore’s Patent Firearms Co. and National Arms Co., these interesting revolvers were an ingenious invention meant to circumvent the Rollin White patent on bored
through cylinders which was held at the time by Smith & Wesson. This example has beautiful acid etching on the barrel and cylinder featuring grape vine motifs, while the frame has very attractive floral scroll
engraving, as well as a complete silver plated finish. The top of the barrel has the National Arms Co. address and the Williamson’s patent marking follows the rear edge of the cylinder. The serial number is
marked on the bottom of the barrel, assembly number “HJ64”, and the period replacement grips are both stamped “BT/66” on the insides. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, hammer notch rear
sight, and a pair of factory made replacement, smooth rosewood grips. Includes a scarce factory box featuring a picture of one of these revolvers on the lid.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original silver finish, showing an attractively aged patina overall, including in thinned areas on the frame where the brass is exposed, and the etching and engraving
remains crisp. The grips are fine with a few minor dings and scratches. Mechanically functions. The box is fine with a repaired tear in the lid, a couple repaired/separated corners, and otherwise mild wear.
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 115
Exceptional,
Highly Attractive
Moore’s Patent
Firearms Co. Front Loading Teat-Fire
Pocket Revolver with Factory Full Gold
Plated, Etched, and Exhibition Engraved
Decoration, Ivory Grips, and Case - Serial no.
7857, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., gold finish, ivory grips.
Manufactured from 1864 to 1866 by the Moore’s patent firearms
company, these revolvers were then produced for three more
years by the National Arms Co. The vast majority of these revolvers
received a blue and silver plated finish and small panels of engraving on the sides of the
frame was virtually standard, however, a small number of them received an extensively
engraved, etched, and full gold plated, deluxe finish like this example. It is highly likely
that these high grade examples were produced as either exhibition pieces or for high
level presentations. The barrel has extensive, near full coverage floral etching with
the Moore’s Patent Firearms Co. address on top and the serial number on the bottom.
The cylinder has further floral etchings, as well as a rider in a forest scene and a stand
of arms, while the Williamson’s patent marking follows the rear edge. The frame has
extensive floral scroll and border engraving throughout with a punchdot background.
The assembly number “BY57” is marked on the left of the grip frame and in pencil on the
inside of both grip panels. Includes an attractive hardwood case lined with purple velvet
on the interior and featuring a cartridge block that contains the
full compliment of cartridges.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 60% plus of the original gold plating having
thinned on top of the barrel to a smooth grey patina and on handling areas of the frame
showing an attractively aged brass, and there is some light surface spotting at the muzzle. The engraving and etching remains exceptionally crisp overall. The
grips are excellent with an attractive, lightly aged tone and a few very short, hairline age cracks around the screw. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with
some minor handling/storage marks. An exceptional, exhibition engraved, gold plated Moore’s patent revolver for your antique American revolver collection!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000