The Gun That Assassinated Abraham Lincoln - Deringer

Published on August 14, 2020
Duration: 18:12

This video examines a Deringer Philadelphia percussion pistol from the 1850s-1860s, highlighting its historical significance as being similar to the firearm used by John Wilkes Booth to assassinate President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. The presenter, a firearms instructor, details the gun's construction, caliber, and distinguishing features like engraving and a pineapple motif, comparing it directly to known details of Booth's weapon. The discussion extends to the historical context of the assassination, including the original kidnapping plot and the subsequent assassination plan targeting multiple high-ranking officials.

Quick Summary

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated with a Deringer Philadelphia percussion pistol, a small, concealable firearm typically chambered in .44 or .45 caliber. John Wilkes Booth, an actor familiar with Ford's Theatre, used the pistol during a play to shoot Lincoln, highlighting the weapon's historical significance and its role in the 1865 assassination.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction: The Deringer Pistol
  2. 00:25What is a Cap and Ball Pistol?
  3. 00:34Deringer Philadelphia Manufacturer
  4. 01:26The Gun That Shot Lincoln
  5. 01:39Comparing Pistol Sizes
  6. 01:50Engraving and Markings
  7. 02:13Caliber Differences: .41 vs .44/.45
  8. 02:30Construction and Condition
  9. 02:40Grip Checkering and Takedown
  10. 03:12Historical Timeline: 1860s and Lincoln's Assassination
  11. 03:20John Wilkes Booth and the Assassination
  12. 03:44The Pineapple Design Motif
  13. 04:01The Shield on the Grip
  14. 04:26Philadelphia Pride and Deringer Craftsmanship
  15. 05:19Assassins and Three Names
  16. 05:53How Cap and Ball Pistols Work
  17. 06:21Loading a Cap and Ball Pistol
  18. 06:38Recoil and Shooting Experience
  19. 06:41Demonstration: Shooting a Liberator
  20. 06:51Booth's Actions After Shooting Lincoln
  21. 07:12Comparison: Walther Model 9
  22. 07:43Modern Reproduction Comparison
  23. 08:05The Sensory Experience of the Shot
  24. 08:15Depictions of the Assassination Gun
  25. 08:37Ford's Theater Curator and the Gun
  26. 08:45Concealability in the 19th Century
  27. 08:59History of the Assassination Plot
  28. 09:31The Original Kidnapping Plot
  29. 10:16Shift to Assassination Plot
  30. 10:44Lincoln's Premonition of Death
  31. 11:13The Night of April 14, 1865
  32. 11:33Grant's Refusal and Rathbone's Invitation
  33. 11:59Arrival at Ford's Theatre
  34. 12:15John Wilkes Booth: The Actor
  35. 12:35Booth Learns of Lincoln's Attendance
  36. 12:54Timing the Assassination
  37. 13:10Conspirators' Assignments
  38. 13:38Attack on Secretary Seward
  39. 14:12Booth's Actions Before the Assassination
  40. 14:26Lincoln's Bodyguard's Absence
  41. 14:49The Booth's Door and the Guard
  42. 15:04Booth Enters Ford's Theatre
  43. 15:31Entering the Presidential Booth
  44. 15:43The Shot
  45. 15:50Booth Drops the Gun and Jumps
  46. 16:14Booth's Yell and Escape
  47. 16:27Dr. Mudd and the Getaway
  48. 16:36Booth's Capture and Death
  49. 16:46Fate of Other Conspirators
  50. 17:19Dr. Mudd's Sentence and Pardon
  51. 17:26The Origin of 'Your Name's Mud'
  52. 17:46Conclusion and Thanks

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of firearm was used to assassinate Abraham Lincoln?

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated with a Deringer Philadelphia percussion pistol. This small, concealable firearm was chambered in a relatively large caliber for its size, reportedly .44 or .45, and was easily hidden by John Wilkes Booth.

What are the key features of a Deringer Philadelphia pistol?

Deringer Philadelphia pistols from the mid-19th century are characterized by their compact size, percussion ignition (cap and ball), and often feature ornate engraving. Notable details can include a pineapple motif on the grip and a blank shield for personalization, as seen on the pistol used by John Wilkes Booth.

How did John Wilkes Booth plan the assassination of Abraham Lincoln?

Initially, John Wilkes Booth planned to kidnap President Lincoln. After the Civil War ended, this plan shifted to assassination. Booth, an actor familiar with Ford's Theatre, used a comedic play's timing to enter Lincoln's box and fire a single shot from his Deringer pistol.

What is the historical significance of the Deringer pistol in relation to Lincoln's assassination?

The Deringer pistol is historically significant because it was the weapon John Wilkes Booth used to shoot President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. Its small size allowed for easy concealment, contributing to the success of the assassination within the crowded Ford's Theatre.

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