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LOT 1087
Exceptional Cased, Factory Engraved,
Silver and Gold Plated National Arms
Co. Front Loading “New Model Cartridge
Revolver” with Ivory Grips - Serial no. 23781, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4
inch round bbl., silver/gold finish, ivory grips. These revolvers were
manufactured from 1864 to 1870 by Moore’s Patent Firearms Co. and
the National Arms Co. These revolvers and their ammunition were
designed by Daniel Moore and David Williamson as a work around for the
Rollin White patent held by Smith & Wesson that prevented other companies from legally
manufacturing revolvers with bored through cylinders. The barrel has a rounded blade front
sight, “NATIONAL ARMS Co. BROOKLYN N.Y.” on top in a panel of floral engraving, and the
serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel. The barrel, cylinder, and frame all show
beautifully executed engraving featuring floral scrollwork, starburst, and border patterns. The
cylinder also has the Williamson patent marking. The barrel is silver plated, the cylinder gold
washed, and the frame gold plated. It is fitted with a blade front sight, hammer notch rear
sight, and a pair of smooth ivory grips. Includes an attractive hardwood case.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% of the attractively aged original silver plating, 60%
of the delicate gold wash, and 95% plus of the original gold plating with a few scattered
specks of light flaking, a few very small patches of light flash pitting, and crisp engraving.
The grips are very fine with a short age line, a minor scratch, and otherwise only the slightest
handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with handling/storage evidence
on the exterior and moderate wear/tearing of the material lining the inside of the lid. A truly
stunning, deluxe example of a National Arms Co. “New Model” cartridge revolver!
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1088
Factory Etched, Engraved, and Silver Plated Moore’s
Patent Firearms Co. Front Loading Teatfire Revolver
with Ivory Grips and Rare Factory Picture Box - Serial
no. 7084, 32 teat-fire cal., 3 1/4 inch round bbl., silver
finish, 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 incredible example which features a full silver plated finish,
ornate acid etching on the barrel and cylinder, and an elaborately engraved frame, including an entirely
beaded back strap. The etching and engraving feature scrollwork along with floral accents, and the cylinder
also includes a martial trophy motif. The barrel is marked “MOORE’S PAT FIREARMS Co. BROOKLYN, N.Y.” in a
panel, and the cylinder has the faint patent marking near the rear edge. “7023” is marked on the underside of
the barrel, and the assembly number “BO84” is marked on the left of the grip frame, with “84” repeated on the
rear face of the cylinder. Includes a very rare factory picture box.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% plus of the original silver plating showing mostly attractively aged patina, some mild flaking and wear, some scattered light oxidation, and exposed portions of the frame showing attractively aged
brass. The grips are very good with some age lines, a light edge chip, and otherwise light handling marks. Trigger does not consistently reset, otherwise mechanically functions. The box is very good with some mild darkening of the
label, mild wear, and distinct imagery and text.
Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250