3106

Rare Highly Engraved Political Gift Moore's Patent No.1 Derringer

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Rare Highly Engraved Political Gift Moore's Patent No.1 Derringer
Manufactured by Moore circa 1860 to 1865. The top of the barrel is marked "MOORE'S PAT. F.A. CO. BROOKLYN N.Y." and "PAT FEB 24 1863" on the underside as well as the serial number. This particular derringer is extremely rare and was made to give as gifts to U.S. Senators and Congressmen who sat on military committees in hopes of landing a military contract. The barrel is silver washed and the frame is gold washed. The frame is decorated with floral scroll and punch dot engraving, much in the style of Nimschke and is the fanciest of all engraving found on the Moore Derringers. The barrel has a simple scroll pattern at the breech end of both sides, arrows pointing forward toward a small star burst and simple line and scallop border on the upper sides and top respectively. The sides of the grip area have a small checkered oval, the rear has a decorative checkered pattern with an eagle shield motif at the top, directly behind the hammer. There is a photo of a silver and gold Moore's Patent Derringer with very similar frame engraving and the eagle shield motif on the top of the frame in "The Deringer In America" by Eberhart and Wilson on page 123. It is estimated that less than 25 of these derringers were finished and decorated in this manner and given to political figures. RIAC is fortunate enough to be offering two in this sale.
BBL: 2 1/2 inch irregular
Stock:
Gauge: 41 RF
Finish: silver/gold
Grips: metal
Serial Number: 3750


Very fine. The barrel retains half of the original silver finish with some scattered darkening with age and minor pitting. The frame retains 70% of the original gold with the exposed areas having an aged patina. The markings and engraving are clear and crisp. The action is excellent. A great opportunity to own this very rare engraved, gold and silver Moore's Patent Derringer once reserved for only important political figures in the U.S. Government.