Excellent, engraved silver-plated, factory engraved Moore’s Patent Firearms Co. No 1 derringer s/n 1136, manufactured circa 1860 to 1865 in obsolete .41 rimfire calibre, with 2 ½ inch barrel.  It features broad scroll engraving on the frame and barrel in tandem with a large engraving of an arrow either side of the barrel pointing at a star.

There are two chequered oval panels on each side of the grip and an elongated larger shield-like chequered panel that runs down the back of the grip. The barrel address reads “MOORE’S PAT.F.A.Co. BROOKLYN N.Y. ”. Underneath the barrel is stamped the patent date “Feb. 24 1863”. The serial number 1136 is stamped at the breech end of the underside of the barrel. It has a blade front sight and the rear sight is integral with a cut-out on the chequered hammer.

Very fine condition, with virtually all its silver plating. Screws and barrel release button retain virtually all their blue. All the engraving and chequering is crisp. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive example of the predecessor of Colt’s No. 1 derringer.

The Moore’s Patent Firearms Company (1860 – 1865) was taken over by the National Arms Company in 1865 through to 1870. Only about 6,000 of these derringers were manufactured by both companies from 1860 to 1870. The Colt Firearms Company bought the National Arms Company in 1870, continuing to manufacture their range of similar looking derringers.