Lot 69

Etched, Engraved, Gold Moore's Patent Front Loading Revolver

Previous image preload Next image preload

Etched, Engraved, Gold Moore's Patent Front Loading Revolver

Estimate: $3,000 - $5,000

Starting Bid: $2,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Exceptional Cased Exhibition Quality Factory Acid Etched, Engraved, and Gold Plated Moore's Patent Firearms Co. Front Loading Teatfire Revolver with Ivory Grips These distinctive pocket revolvers were manufactured by the Moore's Patent Firearms Company circa 1864 to 1870. They load from the front of the cylinder and use teat-fire cartridges with the primer in a projecting "teat" at the rear end which fits through the small openings at the rear of the cylinder. This ingenuitive design by Daniel Moore and David Williamson allowed these revolvers to get around Rollin White's claim for patent protection on the bored through cylinder which had given Smith & Wesson a nearly full control over the cartridge revolver market at the time. These Moore's revolvers were one of the most successful competitors to Smith & Wesson's cartridge revolvers but were eventually pushed out as a challenger with the loss of a patent infringement lawsuit. This example features very attractive scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds, which covers most of the frame as well as the barrel lug. The cylinder is extensively acid etched with floral and martial motifs, a factory exhibition grade embellishment that is rarely seen on these revolvers. The rear edge of the cylinder is marked with the Williamson patent date. The frame of the revolver, including the back strap and butt, shows extensive factory executed floral scroll engraving with a punchdot background. The top of the barrel is marked with the Moore's one-line address, and the underside is marked "3980". The assembly number "AM80" is marked on the left of the grip frame and the matching assembly number is hand marked in pencil inside both grips. It is fitted with a blade front sight and hammer notch rear sight, as well as the factory, smooth antique ivory grips. Includes a rosewood presentation type case with a cartridge block inside and a period replaced blank pearl inscription plate inset in the lid.

Manufacturer: Moores Patent Firearms Co

Model: Teatfire

BBL: 3 1/4 inch round

Gauge: 32 Teat-Fire

Finish: gold

Grips: ivory

Serial Number3980

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection
  • Condition: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the delicate, highly attractive, original gold finish with some scattered small specks of very light flaking and both the engraving and etching remaining extremely crisp. The grips are very fine with a few age lines and an attractively aged tone. Hand spring out of order; otherwise, mechanically functions. The case is very good with mild wear and some age-related separation of the wood grain. An extravagant piece from the Moore's Patent Firearms Company!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Rock Island Auction will contact you shortly after the auction has completed. We will arrange for shipping and or pickup.

Rock Island Auction Company

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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