1455

SCARCE PATENT INFRINGEMENT MOORE SINGLE-CATION BELT REVOLVER.

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 5,500.00 USD
SCARCE PATENT INFRINGEMENT MOORE SINGLE-CATION BELT REVOLVER.
SN 6499. Cal. 32 RF. Blue & silver finish with 6" oct bbl, brass pin front sight and 1-line "MANFD SMITH & WESSON MOORE'S PAT. FIRE ARMS CO." address. It has 7-shot unfluted cyl with patent markings around the circumference and border lines around the front and rear edges. Frame & backstrap are very nicely engraved, probably from the shop of master engraver, L.D. Nimschke, with about 50% coverage flowing foliate arabesque patterns, with fine shaded background. Mounted with 1-pc varnished walnut grip that has the assembly number "8Y" in the back strap channel. Matching assembly number is also found on the right side of the butt strap & front strap and rear face of the cyl. This revolver is one of the items produced by Moore after Smith & Wesson had prevailed in its law suit over patent infringement of the bored through cyl. Moore and other manufacturers were forced to mark their products in this manner and then ceased production altogether. According to Flayderman's Guide To Antique American Firearms several thousand of these revolvers were produced in the period 1861-1863. It is known that military officers & enlisted men of the day purchased and used these revolvers throughout the Civil War. Rarely are they found today with high orig finish. Accompanied by a period of use wooden case with pegged corners & brown velvet lining. Bottom is compartmented for the revolver & a wooden cleaning rod. Left rear corner contains a triangular shaped cartridge block with holes for 45 cartridges, containing 43 live rds, some 32 short and some 32 long. CONDITION: Revolver is extremely fine, all matching. Bbl & cyl retain 96-97% glossy orig blue with only sharp edge wear and some light flaking on the bbl; frame & grip frame retain virtually all of their strong orig silver plating with wear only on the left recoil shield; hammer retains brilliant case colors; grip shows light edge wear and retains virtually of its crisp orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, appears to be unfired; ejector rod under the bbl is a replacement. Case has a grain check in the left rear corner of the lid, otherwise is sound showing light to moderate wear; interior is lightly to moderately soiled; ammunition has oxidized bullets and is fine. 4-47826 JR294