Henry Deringer

"Deringer" redirects here. For the generic name for pocket pistols, see Derringer.

Henry Deringer Junior
Born	Henry Deringer October 26, 1786(1786-10-26) Easton, Pennsylvania , United States
Died	February 28, 1868(1868-02-28) (aged 81) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania , United States
Occupation	Inventor, gunsmith, businessman
Religion	First Reformed Church
Spouse	Elizabeth Hollobush
Children	Theophilus T. Deringer (1811 - 1874), Bronaugh McClain Deringer (1819 - 1868), Calhoun Mason Deringer (1824 - 1907)

Henry Deringer (October 26, 1786 – February 28, 1868) was an American gunsmith. He invented, and gave his name to the Deringer pistol. Further development and copying of his design resulted in the derringer (note the double-r) pistol that was generically manufactured widely by other companies.^[1]

He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania on Oct. 26, 1786 to colonial gunsmith Henry Deringer Senior^[2] (1756-1833) and Catherine McQuety (1759–1829). He married Elizabeth Hollobush at the First Reformed Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on April 5, 1810. The family moved to Philadelphia where his father continued work on the Kentucky rifle, both an ornate sporting model and a basic version for the US Army.^[2]

Deringer joined his father as an apprentice the early 19th century. In 1825 he designed the first of the large caliber, short barrelled pistols that would lead to considerable wealth and fame for himself. Using the basic flintlock action in common usage at the time, the pistols were muzzle loading single shots, or in some cases, double barrelled in an over-under manner.^[2]

Later models used the percussion cap action, although both actions were manufactured and sold for some time.

There was widespread copying and trademark infringement of his designs, include outright counterfeiting with his proofmarks being copied. Deringer fought these infringements for most of his business life, ironically having his best success after his death. The Deringer vs Plate ruling, in which the California Supreme Court ruled in the company's favour, became a landmark in trademark law.

Deringer died in 1868 at the age of 81. Deringer is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.^[2]

John Wilkes Booth's Philadelphia Deringer

See also

• Concealed carry in the United States

External links

• "The Booth Deringer—Genuine Artifact or Replica?" at FBI.gov^{[dead link]}
• Bond Arms - Modern manufacturer of derringers
• American Derringer - Modern manufacturer of derringers

References

1. ^ 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. ISBN 9780896894556. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Chapel, Charles Edward (2002). "6". Guns of the Old West. Courier Dover Publications. p. 102. ISBN 9780486421612. 

Persondata
Name	Deringer, Henry
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	October 26, 1786
Place of birth
Date of death	February 28, 1868
Place of death