Historic Documented Cased Presentation Inscribed Moore's Patent Firearms Front Loading Revolver Presented to Convicted Confederate Spy Belle Siddons A.K.A. Madam Belle Vestal with Research Manufactured by the Moore's Patent Firearms Company circa 1864 to 1870, this presentation front loading revolver is inscribed to convicted Confederate spy and professional gambler Madam Belle Vestal and was presented to her by her lover and outlaw Archie McLaughlin. The presentation inscription is on the back strap: "To Belle with love/from/ARCHIE." The factory case has an inscription plaque on the lid inscribed "MADAME/VESTAL." Madam Bell Vestal's real name was Belle Siddons, and she was the daughter of Jefferson City, Missouri, slave owning plantation owners and a graduate of Lexington University. Armed with her beauty and social skills, Belle infiltrated Union officer social circles and obtained information from all too willing talkative young Union officers fumbling over themselves in their efforts to impress Belle. She was caught, convicted of spying for the enemy and served 3 to 4 months in prison before being released by the governor of Missouri on the promise that she stay out of Missouri for the duration of the war. She did, and after the war she married a surgeon in the Union Army. He died of fever in 1869. In the aftermath of her husband's death, she befriended a gambler who taught her the art of gambling. Leaving the gambler behind (some say they were married), she traveled westward to establish her own gambling halls in cities like Wichita, Ellsworth, Foray Hays and Denver. She changed her name to Madam Belle Vestal and became one of the top 21 dealers in the country. Once gold was found in the Black Hills, she moved her operations to Deadwood, South Dakota, and changed her name to Lurline Monte Verde. It was during her time in Deadwood that Belle met and fell in love with outlaw Archie McLaughlin. Putting her spy skills to work once again, Belle feed Archie actionable intelligence gleaned from talkative patrons. There was a noticeable spike Archie's outlaw activities. He was finally apprehended by Sheriff Boone May whose actions may have been more self motivated than based on preserving law and order. The sheriff was believed to be infatuated with Belle, and what happened next has been the stuff of legend. During the prisoner transport of Archie and a fellow gang member, the stagecoach was ambushed by a posse of 5 to 6 men. Sheriff May and his deputies did not resist the taking of their prisoners who were later hanged by their kidnappers. The local newspapers had a field day with the story, suggesting that the sheriff had hired the posse to kill Archie. After the death of her lover, Belle wandered through the western frontier until finally settling in San Francisco where she remained until her death. For more of Bell Siddons' story see the April 2005 issue of "The Gun Report" (copy included); the revolver is featured as the cover story. The revolver features the standard floral scroll engraving on the frame and light geometric and floral patterns on the barrel, which has the one-line Moore's address stamped on top. The cylinder is marked with "D. WILLIAMSON'S PATENT JANUARY 5, 1864". "BG17" is marked on the frame under the grip and underside of the grip panels. The serial number "6017" appears on the underside of the barrel. The revolver is equipped with a small hinged swivel gate on the right side of the barrel lug, blade front and hammer notch rear sights, and varnished walnut grips. The barrel has a gold wash. The cylinder is blue. The brass frame is silver plated. The factory case has a cartridge block and 29 teat-fire cartridges. A binder of research discussing the revolver and Belle Siddons in detail is included. Manufacturer: Moores Patent Firearms Co Model: Teatfire BBL: 3 1/4 inch round Stock: Gauge: 32 teat-fire Finish: gold/blue/silver Grips: walnut Serial Number: 6017 Class: Antique Condition: Very Fine. The barrel retains 75% original gold plating showing smooth gray patina and darkened flaking on the balance. The cylinder retains 75% original blue showing a mix of blue and gray patina on the balance. The frame retains 85% original silver plating. The grips are fine showing some minor pressure dents and scratches and high edge wear with most of the varnish remaining. The case is fine with some minor handling/storage marks and faded lining showing high spot wear. A true one-of-a-kind cased presentation piece that would add value and conversation to any antique firearm or American Historical collection.

  • Condition: See Description

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by Rock Island Auction Company
December 3, 2016 9:00 AM CST
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, IL, US 61201

Rock Island Auction Company

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