Factory Engraved Moore's Patent Firearms Co. No. 1 Derringer

The Moore derringers were manufactured in the first half of the 1860s and were the first large caliber cartridge derringers. This same basic design was also manufactured by the National Arms Company and Colt later in the century. This example has the typical factory scroll, arrow, and floral engraving on the frame, grip, and barrel. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address and the serial number is on the bottom. This example retains a remarkable amount of the silver plating, considering these derringers often saw significant wear due to being carried in a pocket.

Condition: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% of the original silver finish which shows an attractively aged patina and some scattered light flaking. The engraving is crisp. Mechanically excellent.