Moore’s Patent F.A. Co. No. 1 .41 Rimfire Derringer, 1860-1865 Antique

Make: Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Co.

Model: No. 1 Deringer

Serial Number: 1492

Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1860-1865

Caliber: .41 Short Rimfire

Action Type: Single Action, Single Shot Side Loading

Barrel Length: 2 1/2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a slot in the hammer spur.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is integral to the silver-plated brass frame. The grip has checkered panels on the back and on each side. The frame retains much of its silver plate with some areas worn through to the brass. There are some tiny nicks and minor scratches. The checkering is well defined. Overall, the grip is in Fine condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Silver-Plated Brass & Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 5 out of 10.

Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.

Overall Condition: This derringer retains about 65% of its metal finish. The barrel has scattered finish wear, showing some minor oxidation. The frame has some finish loss, but retains much of its silver plate. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a safety notch. The lockup has light play. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this derringer. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards..

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The first large-caliber metallic cartridge derringer, Moore’s Patent Fire Arms Co. produced the No. 1 Deringer from 1860-1865. The design would be taken over by National Arms Co. and produced through 1870 when it would in turn be bought by Colt. The design is simple, compact, yet has significantly more punch than contemporary .22 derringers.

This example is in Fine condition as Antique, retaining much of its original finish and strong mechanics. These little guns are quite collectible and the Moore’s Pat. F.A. Co. guns are perhaps the most desirable due to their production during the Civil War. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud