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Attractive Silver Barreled/Gilt Framed Moore First Model Derringer Pistol with "Political Gift" Engr

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Derringers Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Attractive Silver Barreled/Gilt Framed Moore First Model Derringer Pistol with  Political Gift  Engr
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Attractive Silver Barreled/Gilt Framed Moore First Model Derringer Pistol with "Political Gift" Engraving

Produced circa 1860-1865. Silver blade front and hammer notch rear sight, with the one-line Moore address on top of the barrel and the engraved arrow motif on either side. Additionally, the barrel shows scroll motifs at the muzzle and breech, with light border engraving, and the frame shows roughly 80% coverage scroll and punch dot decoration, with checkered panels on the sides and back of the grip, starburst patterns on the tips of the screws, a flower on the flat ahead of the hammer and an American eagle with shield behind the hammer. A similar design can be seen on page 123 of Eberhart & Wilson's book "The Deringer In America, Volume II"; some sources believe that this pattern was applied to arms intended for presentation to political figures, a common practice of the era intended to drive sales to the military, militias, and police forces.

Manufucture: Moores Patent Firearms Co
Model: Derringer
BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat top
Stock:
Guage: 38
Finish: silver/gold
Grips: brass
Serial Number: 4149

Very good. The barrel has been lightly cleaned, with a gray patina overall, traces of dark silver inside the engraving and on the breech face, and some mild spotting and handling marks overall. The frame retains nearly half of the original gold, strongest in the protected area between the trigger spur and the grip, with some light dings and an attractive aged patina on the visible brass.