Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a very nice patinated example of a U.S. Civil War Era .32 rimfire single action belt revolver by Daniel Moore, the first gun to feature a "Swing-out" cylinder, which Moore had patented in 1860. Born in 1813, Moore had started a firearms business in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1851, mainly making powder flasks and cartridges for the new revolver designs. However he also began working on improvements to existing designs, and after receiving his 1860 Patent, he incorporated Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Company.

The first revolver model this company produced was this brass-framed single action .32cal rimfire "Belt" revolver, featuring a 7 round cylinder that swung out to the right for loading. It was only manufactured 1861-1863 during which time the firm was sued by Smith & Wesson for infringing on the Rollin White patent for a bored through cylinder, which they had licensed and defended vigorously. Later produced revolvers were marked by Smith & Wesson and bore Rollin White patent dates, and after 1863 Moore stopped production, instead focusing on "Teat Fire" cartridges, which did not infringe on the patent.

This fabulous nickel plated revolver is definitely an early version, and is marked only with the original maker and patent date on top of the barrel:

D. MOORE. PATENT. SEPT. 18. 1860

It is marked with VERY early serial number 88 on the bottom of the barrel by the hinge, and there is assembly number 21 on the rear of the cylinder. The brass frame of the revolver was originally fully nickel plated, which is probably retained at about 40%, with the rest showing an aged "mustard" patina on the brass. The frame has lovely foliate engraving, which also is present on the grip frame and trigger guard. The barrel shows a lovely aged gray patina from years of use and cleaning. The standard walnut grips are in good shape, showing the expected wear from use. There are no major chipping or cracks, and they have a great worn look, looking to have been refinished at some point in the past.

The revolver does cycle, but it definitely is a bit finicky due to age and wear. When cycling the action is stiff, and it can overshoot slightly on many of the cylinders. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a bright finish, with just a few areas of staining. Definitely a great bore for one of these revolvers. The cylinder swings out correctly when the latch on the right flashguard is pressed, however the ejector rod normally stored under the barrel is unfortunately missing, as is the front fitting that would hold it in place.

Of note is that these revolvers, while only made for a short period, were very highly regarded as reliable and solidly built. They were somewhat sought after and saw use well into the later 19th Century. Cole Younger, a member of the infamous James–Younger Gang of outlaws, owned one with a 5 inch barrel, which was serial number 880. The gang eventually split up after the failed Bank Robbery in Northfield Minnesota, during which Cole was said to have had this revolver with him. After fleeing the scene, the Cole Brothers were hunted down by a posse and captured. At the trial, the three brothers pled guilty to avoid being hanged, and were sentenced to life in prison.

Cole's brother Bob died in prison, but in 1901 Cole and his brother Jim were paroled from prison. Jim would take his own life the next year, but Cole lived until 1916, passing at the age of 72. He lectured and toured the south with Frank James in a wild west show, The Cole Younger and Frank James Wild West Company, in 1903, and also wrote his memoirs, portraying himself as more of a Confederate Avenger than an Outlaw. This also gave him ample time to identify and sell many items of interest.

A lovely example of a rare and sought after Civil War era early cartridge revolver, as used by a famous outlaw! Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1861-3 
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 10 3/4 inches
Action: Single Action 
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.