The Moore’s Patent Seven Shooter Revolver, patented by Daniel Moore on September 18, 1860, was a unique open-top, single-action pistol chambered for the recently introduced .32 rimfire cartridge, which had been popularized by the Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Revolver. Moore’s first US firearms patent, covered the concept of an improvement for breechloading metallic cartridge firearms.
The pistol consisted of two major components, the frame and the cylinder-barrel assembly. The unique mechanism, protected by his 1860 patent, allowed for loading and unloading by placing the revolver on half cock and depressing a release button on the upper right rear of the recoil shield. This caused the barrel and seven-chambered, unfluted cylinder assembly to pivot to the right about an inch, with a small loading groove in the recoil shield providing necessary clearance. Extraction was manual, utilizing a small, removable rod stored under the barrel. The revolvers were produced with 4”, 5” and 6” blued octagonal barrels, blued cylinders, color casehardened hammers, and engraved silver-plated brass frames, with smooth varnished one-piece walnut grips. The sights were typical of the period, consisting of a rudimentary hammer nose notch rear sight and a brass cone front sight.
Moore established the Moore’s Patent Firearms Company in Brooklyn, NY, in 1860, finding a ready market, which was certainly boosted by the impending American Civil War. However, the design used a bored-through cylinder, which violated the Rollin White patent of April 3, 1855, the rights to which were exclusively assigned to Smith & Wesson. While the concept was arguably not original (having been patented earlier in France by Eugene Lefaucheux in 1848), the legal precedent allowed S&W to successfully sue Moore and his distributor, Merwin & Bray. As a result, Moore’s company was forced to turn over its remaining inventory, commonly quoted as 3,376 completed firearms, to S&W for sale. Early revolvers were marked "D. MOORE PATENT SPET. 18, 1860" on the barrel, however, after losing their lawsuit to S&W, the marking was changed to "MANF'G FOR SMITH & WESSON BY MOORE’S PAT. FIREARMS Co.". The total production of the "Seven Shooters" is estimated to be between 6,000 and 8,000 guns. The revolvers were popular with soldiers, and many examples are known to have provenance to Civil War enlisted men and officers.
This particular Moore's Seven Shooter Single Action Belt Revolver is in excellent condition. It is all original and fully functional featuring traces of its original silver-plating on its brass frame with the balance of its steel components featuring an attractive grey patina; indicating that this pistol has never been re-polished or refinished. It features a desirable "Smith & Wesson" address on the frame; meaning it was among the 3,376 guns that S&W seized and subsequently sold as part of the lawsuit settlement. Given how prolific Moore's Belt Revolvers were during the Civil War, there is a distinct possibility that this pistol was a "private purchase" self defense pistol bought by a soldier.
The action works perfectly and the cylinder locks up tight on full cock. The barrel swings out out easily for loading and unloading and there is not wobble between the frame and barrel.
The original walnut grips are original and solid with a few chips missing from the edges.
The bore and chambers are good with strong rifling and some minor scattered surface rust and pitting throughout.
