Lot 3125

Scarce Moore's Patent Firearms Co. Centerfire No. 1 Derringer

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Scarce Moore's Patent Firearms Co. Centerfire No. 1 Derringer

Estimate: $6,500 - $9,500

Starting Bid: $5,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Extremely Scarce Early Production, Factory Engraved, Serial Number 3 Moore's Patent Firearms Co. Centerfire No. 1 Derringer with Rare Percussion Conversion Cartridge Manufactured c. 1860 to 1865, these derringers were the first in a long line of large caliber cartridge derringers produced that eventually led to the Colt "Thuer" derringer. These No. 1 derringers were first produced by the Moore's Patent Firearms Co. and subsequently the National Arms Co., with only about 6,000 total produced between both companies. This particular example is from extremely early production, quite possibly a factory prototype, bearing the serial number 3 and bears the early production features including a sideplate on the left, the barrel latch button on the left, and a straight trigger sheath, as well as being in a very scarce centerfire configuration. Though it is not known how few of these derringers were made in centerfire configuration, knowledgeable collectors know that the vast majority were produced in rimfire. It shows beautifully executed floral scroll engraving on about one-third of the surfaces, primarily on the sides of the barrel at the breech, the sides of the frame, and the back strap. The top of the barrel is correctly marked "PATENT/APPLIED FOR", and the serial number is marked on the front face of the frame. It is fitted with a brass blade front sight and a hammer notch rear sight. Included with the derringer is a .41 Centerfire cartridge, as well as a very scarce percussion conversion cartridge, which is believed to be one of only three known.

Manufacturer: Moores Patent Firearms Co

Model: No. 1 Derringer

BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat topped round

Gauge: 41 Centerfire

Finish: blue/brass

Grips: brass

Serial Number3

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The George S. Lewis Jr. Collection
  • Condition: Very good, retains 20% of the original blue finish on the barrel with the balance of the iron a smooth grey patina, brass showing an attractively aged patina, and crisp engraving throughout. Mechanically excellent. An extremely scarce example of an early production, single-digit serial number Moore's Patent No. 1 derringer!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000