Booth's visit to the Surratt Boarding House after the assassination

[Jim Garrett]

(11-14-2012 05:05 PM)Laurie Verge Wrote:  Two silly questions from a stupid female who has never even held a gun of any kind: Would Booth choose a weapon like the deringer for the kill because its report would be "quieter?" He did time his deed with a line causing laughter from the audience to give him an advantage. I would think that a deringer popped where a revolver was louder. Then, as Joe pointed out, it was disposable where a revolver still had ammunition.

Also, if men carried revolvers frequently in those days, did they always use a holster? For some reason, I have assumed that Easterners especially kept them in pockets when in civilian dress.

Another question that I think Blaine Houmes answered at a Surratt conference, but I have forgotten. What is the damage done by a deringer in comparison to a revolver? I would assume small hole, less gore vs. large hole with large splatter? He was close to his target and would get dirty - as would Mrs. Lincoln. If one small gun inflicting one small, efficient hole gets the job done, I would go with it.

End of dumb blonde questions...

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BTW: I got a phone call from my grandson (age 12) today who wanted me to know about a catalog called Betty's Attic that is featuring a replica of the Booth deringer in a display case. $99. There was a strong hint of Christmas present in his call - which I ignored.

The deringer was a 44 caliber, and was loaded with a 42 caliber round ball. The Colt "naval" revolver was a 36 caliber, actually smaller bore. The sound difference might not be that different. However the shot barrell, round ball and possibly less powder of the deringer would probably mean more damage.