Moores are attractive Civil War revolvers with blued barrel assemblies and cylinders, and silver washed, nicely engraved brass frames, triggerguards, and back straps offered as standard features. This one has tons of silver finish and sharp engraving, decent grips, nice muted blue on the cylinder, showing just a slight drag line, very good blue on the right of the barrel assembly, with just rubbing along the barrel edges, and wear to the blue on the left, certainly from handling when reloading, which is done by unlocking and swinging the cylinder and barrel to the right, or the frame and grips to the left while holding the barrel. In terms of the frame and cylinder the pistol might rate excellent with far more than 30 percent original finish, and the barrel assembly about very good with zero to 30 percent, and the grips about the same- showing good fit and color, and varnish, but with some small dings and wear around the heel.

The Moore was popular among Civil War officers: its metallic .32 cal. cartridges did not require separate primers, were water resistant and not subject to breaking. The chamber holds seven rounds rather than six, offering something of an advantage and the .32 caliber was sufficient for close-in personal defense, and at least a sense of satisfaction at longer ranges. The revolver has a removable ejector rod mounted underneath the barrel, which is present.  Barrel length is 5”. The engraving is very attractive, with floral, geometric and fan-shell motifs, and the silvered wash was definitely a draw.  Mechanics function well, crisp and tight.

This one is sharply serial numbered 2018 and has a sharp “D. MOORE PATENT SEPT. 18, 1862” barrel address. Production is estimated at 5,000 to 8,000 from 1861 to 1863, before it shut down after losing a patent infringement lawsuit by Smith and Wesson over the use of a bored-through cylinder, resulting also in the application of Smith and Wesson markings to remaining inventory. This one naturally lacks those later markings.

This would nicely complement an officer’s display, display of Civil War handguns, or rimfire revolvers in particular. It also has an interesting connection with Smith and Wesson, who might well have regarded it as dangerous competition for their own .32 rimfire S&W No. 2 Army.  [sr] [ph:m]

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