Derringer

[Steve]

(07-29-2018 04:13 PM)Wesley Harris Wrote:  

(07-29-2018 02:05 PM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(07-29-2018 09:54 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  And as I’ve mentioned elsewhere on the Forum- there was a second derringer found at scene. Roger can you find that entry?

Bill, you mentioned this topic here.

I am certainly no expert on the question of a second derringer at Ford's. From my reading I agree with Dave Taylor. Please see Dave's post here.

Kees also mentioned a second derringer here, but I do not recall reading about Gifford finding this (although I do see logic in agreeing with those who feel Booth may have gone to Ford's with a second derringer).

Possibly someone with more knowledge than me can comment on the veracity of Gifford's story. Bill, I do not have the Civil War Times Illustrated issue that you cited.

I covered at least five accounts of other Deringers found at Ford's Theatre at a Surratt Society Lincoln Assassination Conference a few years ago. Supposedly one was found in a fire bucket, one back stage, one out back, etc, etc. Obviously these are bogus, someone trying to make a buck off a similar weapon. The Gifford story is a bit more plausible but still doubtful. It is engraved "J. Wilkes Booth," is a different caliber and size, certainly not one of a pair. Instead of adding credibility to the pistol, the engraving--in my mind--is more likely to make its authenticity suspect. Ripley's Believe It or Not now owns it.

Wow, there are 5 other derringers that are claimed to have been found at Ford's! That put's the number of "Booth spurs" to shame. Besides the real gun, I had only heard of the Ripley's pistol before. I agree the engraving makes me suspect its authenticity as well. Is there any documentation to actually link the Ripley's pistol to Gifford, ie something written by Gifford or close to the date of the assassination or a newspaper account mentioning Gifford's association with the pistol published during his lifetime or shortly thereafter?