Henry Deringer Jr., an American gunsmith, founded the Deringer company, best known for its iconic pocket-sized pistols, in the early 19th century. These namesake pistols are an integral part of American history, embodying the spirit of innovation, practicality, and rugged elegance that defines the era. This article explores the founding of the company, the arms...
Category: Black Powder
Simeon North and the Evolution of American Craftsmanship: The Tale of the Hall Pistol
At the heart of the American frontier story lies not just the daring spirit of exploration, but also the relentless quest for innovation that birthed marvels like the steamboat, the locomotive, and the telegraph. One such seminal invention, born amidst the crucible of the early 19th century, was the Simeon North/Hall Pistol—an innovative piece of...
The Matchlock Rifle: A New Chapter in War
The matchlock was the first firearm to offer a reliable mechanism for firing. It utilized a "match" — a slow-burning cord kept alight — which, upon pulling the trigger, was brought into contact with the "flash pan" that held a small amount of priming powder. This created a spark that ignited the main charge of...
The .32-40 Winchester aka .32-40 Ballard Cartridge
The .32-40 Ballard (also known as .32-40 Winchester) is a rifle cartridge introduced in the late 19th century. It was initially developed for use in single-shot rifles but later found its way into lever-action rifles as well. Despite its age, it has continued to be a favorite among target shooters and hunters for more than...