Moore's Belt Revolver a.k.a

Moore's single action belt revolver a.k.a as "The Seven Shooter|"
This is a very interesting gun on several accounts and offers the discriminating collector rarity, superb craftsmanship an interesting history and an unusual mechanism. Firstly, Smith & Wesson purchased from Rollin White the patent on bored-through cylinders. This practically gave Smith &Wesson a monopoly on cartridge firing revolvers and they pursued their patent rights aggressively. This was reinforced when they won a lawsuit against Moore for infringing this patent. Very few of these revolvers were ever produced, and part of the damages awarded to Smith & Wesson was in respect of Moore putting their name on the barrel and stamping the patent on the cylinder which was the exact patent Moore had been found guilty of violating! Quite embarrassing and humiliating for Moore! Few guns display this interesting period of firearms manufacturing as well as the Moore's gun does, especially the ones marked such as this one. Moore revolvers are scarce; Moore revolvers with the Smith and Wesson address are rare! Flayderman suggests a premium of 40% over unmarked revolvers.
This very rare revolver was the first commercial revolver that had a swing out cylinder which is released by a button to the rear and side of the hammer. The cylinder swings out sufficiently to the right to allow reloading the 32 calibre rounds into it. The holds seven rounds, another interesting innovation that gave it the nickname the "Seven Shooter|".
The Moore was highly prized in the Civil War as it was regarded as reliable and had the benefit of seven shots. Quite a few of these revolvers were known to have been privately purchased by Union Officers and enlisted men during the Civil War and the revolver was only manufactured between 1861 to 1863.
These revolvers are rare and seldom seen in this condition, the Moore teat fire revolver that were subsequently introduced to overcome the patent issues being encountered more often by collectors which is another interesting and unusual revolver. Recently the famed Ali Cali collection of Civil War revolvers was sold by Sotheby’s and the sale did not include one of these revolvers although there were multiple offerings of some rare patterns. This gives one an idea of rarity.
This particular revolver is marked on top of the 4” barrel "Manufactured for Smith & Wesson by Moore Firearms Company" as referred above. Overall gun is very nice with sharp corners, light markings and nicely engraved brass receiver. There is a high percentage of original silver finish remaining which can be seen and is evenly worn and the revolver has an overall nice patina on the steel barrel with case hardening remaining on the cylinder flats and hammer. The revolver has an excellent functioning action and rotates and locks solidly with a beautiful bore. The ejector rod is extant and these were sometimes lost as they are fully removable. Clearly the gun was looked after and the original walnut grips have the original varnish remaining with no chips and the gun is correct in every detail with little to fault it.
This is an opportunity to acquire a significant and attractive looking Civil War revolver in above average condition.

Code: 50255