Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser.
You are using the old High Contrast theme. We have installed a new dark theme for you, called UI.X. This will work better with the new upgrade of our software. You can select it at the bottom of any page.
Henry Deringer used barrels that were wrought iron. I assume they used a rod and cutter like other barrel makers. The odd thing about this one is that the rifling in counterclockwise instead of the usual clockwise.
I've seen rifling far deeper than that on old rifles. Had it been deeper the muzzle would have the appearance of an *.
Don't askl me how they cut it though.
They cut it by hand, with a steel broch or scraper, in a wooden rifling fixture, one groove at a time.
(Patience, skill, and hard work was once a virtue in America.)
The deep grooves were intended to cut down on BP fouling to make reloading possible after an extend firing session.
How that related to a Henry Deringer Deringer, I have no idea.
If Henry made it, it's a Deringer with an upper case D and one r as in brand name logo. Otherwise its a derringer with a lower case d and a double rr as in a type of pistol. This probably arose because the knock offs were trying to evade copyright issues.
Henry made that one. I doubt he was happy with the use to which his product was put.
When I first saw that pistol many years ago, the hammer screw was broken off in the tumbler and the head missing. Apparently some genius at the NPS decided to have the screw replaced while Ford's Theater was closed for renovation.
That did not go unnoticed and the result was a lot of finger pointing and questions about whether the gun was actually the original or if someone sold the original to a crooked collector and substituted another gun. That is how the FBI got into the act, asked to try to determine the truth.
Unlike the FBI, I had only pictures to go by, but concluded, as did the FBI, that the gun is the original, just with the hammer screw replaced. But in some circles, there is still controversy.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.