Original U.S. Civil War Moore 1860 Patent .32RF "Belt" Revolver Serial 603 with 6" Barrel - As used by Cole Younger during Northfield Bank Robbery

Original Item: Only One Available. Here we have a lovely example of a U.S. Civil War Era .32 rimfire single action belt revolver by Daniel Moore, the first gun to feature a "Swing-out" cylinder, which Moore had patented in 1860. Born in 1813, Moore had started a firearms business in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1851, mainly making powder flasks and cartridges for the new revolver designs. However he also began working on improvements to existing designs, and after receiving his 1860 Patent, he incorporated Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Company.

The first revolver model this company produced was this brass-framed single action .32cal rimfire "Belt" revolver, featuring a 7 round cylinder that swung out to the right for loading. It was only manufactured 1861-1863 during which time the firm was sued by Smith & Wesson for infringing on the Rollin White patent for a bored through cylinder, which they had licensed. Later produced revolvers were marked by Smith & Wesson and bore Rollin White patent dates, and after 1863 Moore stopped production, instead focusing on "Teat Fire" cartridges, which did not infringe on the patent.

This lovely revolver looks to be early production, and still has the maker and patent date clearly stamped on top of the barrel:

D. MOORE. PATENT. SEPT. 18. 1860

We do not see any patent information stamped on the cylinder, which we assume is because it is such an early production example. The location of the accent lines on the cylinder is different from serial "5271", which we had previously, which means that most likely the die used to apply the markings was not made yet. The revolver is marked with serial number 603 on the bottom of the barrel by the hinge, and there is assembly number 75 on the rear of the cylinder and top of the frame under the cylinder. The revolver shows light to moderate war, and still retains the original finish well on the barrel and cylinder, which has faded to a light gray / plum patina. The brass frame has lovely foliate "bank note" style engraving, which also is present on the grip frame and trigger guard. Originally fully nickel plated, about 50% is still retained, with the balance of the gunmetal alloy frame showing a lovely lightly oxidized patina.

The revolver cycles great, with good indexing and a firm cylinder lockup, and no functional issues that we can see. There is none of the finicky behavior we often see with revolvers of this age. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a few areas past fouling and oxidation. The spring loaded ejector rod stores correctly under the barrel, easily removed by pushing it back and pivoting it out, and the cylinder swings out correctly when the latch on the right flashguard is pressed, though it can take some wiggling.

Of note is that these revolvers, while only made for a short period, were very highly regarded as reliable and solidly built. They were somewhat sought after and saw use well into the later 19th Century. Cole Younger, a member of the infamous James–Younger Gang of outlaws, owned one with a 5 inch barrel, which was serial number 880. The gang eventually split up after the failed Bank Robbery in Northfield Minnesota, during which Cole was said to have had this revolver with him. After fleeing the scene, the Cole Brothers were hunted down by a posse and captured. At the trial, the three brothers pled guilty to avoid being hanged, and were sentenced to life in prison.

Cole's brother Bob died in prison, but in 1901 Cole and his brother Jim were paroled from prison. Jim would take his own life the next year, but Cole lived until 1916, passing at the age of 72. He lectured and toured the south with Frank James in a wild west show, The Cole Younger and Frank James Wild West Company, in 1903, and also wrote his memoirs, portraying himself as more of a Confederate Avenger than an Outlaw. This also gave him ample time to identify and sell many items of interest.

A lovely example of a rare and sought after Civil War era early cartridge revolver, as used by a famous outlaw! Ready to display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1861-3 
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 10 1/2 inches
Action: Single Action 
Feed System: 7 Shot Revolver

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