Henry Deringer Sr.
Henry Deringer Senior | |
|---|---|
| Born | Heinrich Deringer January 1, 1756 |
| Died | December 28, 1833(aged 77) Easton, Pennsylvania,U.S. |
| Occupation | gunsmith |
| Spouse | Catherine McQuety |
| Children | Henry Deringer |
Henry Deringer, Sr.was an American gunsmith originally based inRichmond, Virginia,in the late 18th century and early 19th century.[1]He was the father and mentor ofHenry Deringer Jr,whose name is now synonymous with small basic pistols known asderringers,[2](a misspelling of the family name that continues to this day).[3]
He was born in Germany and moved to America before theRevolutionary War.The name Deringer stems from the High German "Thüringer," which means "native of Thuringia," a Federal Land of central Germany. Deringer's workshop produced several types of the highly regardedKentucky riflesand Kentucky pistols using the flintlock action.[4]
The family moved toPhiladelphiain 1806, where Deringer continued to develop the rifle, notably narrowing the stock, adding a more crescent shaped butt-plate, and decorating with more inlay work than on previous models. He supplied an army version of these weapons to the government under contract. Deringer's son joined as an apprentice in the early 19th century, and produced the famous small pistol in 1825.[3]
Deringer died December 28, 1833, and is buried in the Easton German Reformed Graveyard in Northampton, Pennsylvania.[5]
References
[edit]- ^Flayderman, Norm (2007). "Percussion Deringers".Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values(9 ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. p. 406.ISBN978-0-89689-455-6.
- ^Taffin, John(2005). Kevin Michalowski (ed.).Cowboy Action Shooting: Gear, Guns, Tactics.Iola, Wisconsin: KP Books, and imprint of F&W Publications. p.126.ISBN9780896891401.
- ^abChapel, Charles Edward (2002). "6".Guns of the Old West.Courier Dover Publications. p.102.ISBN978-0-486-42161-2.
- ^Bulletin of the Public Museum of the city of Milwaukee,Volume 9, Part 2[full citation needed]
- ^Heller, William J. (1920).History Of Northampton County.Vol. 1. The American Historical Society.