November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Designed by William Moore after his original design infringed on the S&W bore through patent and he was forced to ceased production of his 7-shot revolver. Moore redesigned his firearm to front load and use a self-contained cartridge with a primer at the end that stuck out like a teat (hence the name "teat fire"). Lot consists of (A) Top quality acid etched and engraved Moore teat fire revolver. Cylinder and barrel assembly are acid etched, barrel in foliate patterns and cylinder with a hunting scene. Frame has scroll on a punch dot background and accentuated with crosshatches and foliates. Frame shows evidence of having been silver plated on straps and area forward of trigger. Frame marked underneath grips with "K" and "CZ 70" and has a small piece of typewritten paper reading "B. Delavan / Canandaigua / N.Y.", probably a previous owner. "CZ" also found of face of barrel assembly when removed from frame; "CZ70" on rear of cylinder. CONDITION: Very Good, with metal beginning to turn to a chocolate patina primarily along top of barrel, and balance darkening. Acid etching is vivid on cylinder but somewhat softened on barrel. Frame is exposed brass and shows evidence of silver plating at one time as mentioned before. Grips are good with some rubbing to high edges and some minor nicks and areas of lifting. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good with strong rifling. (B) Second Moore .32 teat fire with light engraving, primarily scroll on punched ground on frame, accented with starbursts and florals. Frame is silver plated, barrel is blued. Frame is marked "M" and "Q40" under the grips and has two small pieces of paper, one reading "Frank P. DeWitt / Dealer - Antiques - Guns / West Lake Road / Skaneatles, New York" and the other reading "HALE DELAVAN // CANANDAIGUA // 2/9/69 - 12/17/69". Marked "PAT. APR 25 / 1863" under loading gate on frame. "Q40" also marked on barrel assembly and rear of cylinder. CONDITION: Very good, retaining much of the high polish blue finish with barrel turning a smooth chocolate patina, mostly on barrel assembly and with spotting on cylinder. Frame retains the vast majority of the silver plating with some rubbing to brass at high edges and scattered marks from handling and storage. Grips are very good and free of cracks but do have some pressure marks and dings. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand, bore is very good with strong rifling, some minor frosting, and a few pits. (C) Glass bottle of 4 teat fire cartridges. Cases are a pleasing patina while exposed bullet heads are coated in old corrosion. EMW
Accessories
Bottle of 4 Teat Fire cartridges
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 3 - 1/4"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .32 Teat Fire
Manufacturer
(BOTH) William Moore
Model
(BOTH) Teatfire Derringer
Serial Number
(A) 10670 (B) 1640