Guns International #: 102443664
Seller's Inventory #: CBP23-168

Category - Antique Pistols - Percussion - Antique Revolvers - Percussion

Category
Antique Pistols - Percussion
Antique Revolvers - Percussion

**SOLD** Civil War Moore's Patent Firearms Co. 7-Shot .32 Rimfire S.A. Belt Revolver ** All-Original & Rare! **

Description:
**SOLD**  This is an all-original and quite-scarce Moores Patent Firearms Company "Single Action Belt Revolver" made during the American Civil War, between 1861 and 1863.  These single-action cartidge revolvers featured a 7-shotb rear-loading cylinder chambered for .32 Rimfire, a 4", 5" or 6" inch octagon barrel, a brass open-top style frame with factory engraving and a silver plated finish, a gloss-blue finished barrel and cylinder, smooth Walnut grips with a varnished finish, a barrel mounted ejector rod, and fixed iron sights.  These were most likely carried by both sides in the war to some degree, but were particularly popular private-purchase pistols with Union officers, as many were privately purchased and carried for the duration of the war by them.  There were not a lot of these made during the short production-run that lasted less than 3 years, best estimates place the total made between 5000 and 8000.  It is likely a number of them were lost or destroyed during the Civil War, and a great many more have likely been lost or destroyed in the 160 years since.  The Moores Patent Firearms Company would have certainly continued to make them much longer than 1863 due to their popularity, but a lawsuit brought by Smith & Wesson over the rear-loading cylinder resulted in a court-order to cease production. 
     This particular example is very handsome and appears to be 100% original.  It is in good condition overall with functional mechanics and it is fully intact.  The frame shows some scattered spots and small areas of the original factory-applied silver plating still intact and visible, mainly on the underside of the frame and in some of the protected areas on the sides.  The original factory gloss blue finish on the cylinder and barrel assembly is also mostly gone, worn to an even gray patina that is still attractive in it's uniform appearance.  The 6" inch octagon barrel is the longest length that was offered and is in good shape, with visible rifling in the bore and no bulges or deep pits.  There is shallow pitting throughout the bore but mainly in the grooves rather than on the lands.  The single action operation still works and is "in time".  All of the controls on the pistol still function as-designed as well.  The hammer does show a repair where it was broken at one time.  It looks like it was welded and then shaped quite some time ago, and is now in good working order.  The original grips on this Moore's Patent S.A. Belt Revolver are in good shape overall. They show wear and handling marks consistent with the rest of the gun but are free from any cracks, repairs, or major damage.  The varnish show some places where it is worn away but is still intact in other areas.  All of the markings are legible on this revolver and all of the numbered parts are matching.
      All in all this is a nice honest example of a very scarce and unique cartridge revolver of the Civil War. It would be an excellent addition to any Civil War weapons collection and a great piece to put on display.

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: Moore's Patent Firearms Co.
Model: S.A. Belt Revolver
Serial Number: 2054
Barrel Length: 6" Inches
Condition: Good
Metal Condition: Good
Wood Condition: Good
Bore Condition: Average to Good
Barrel Type: Octagon
Action: Single Action Revolver
Finish: Silver-Plated & Gloss Blued
Sights: Fixed Iron Sights
Manufacture Date: 1861-63