Pistol Printers

[Myrna]

Hello, all,
I am new to this forum so please excuse any awkwardness. After many years I have just reread Confederate Agent by James D. Horan and came across a reference I am unable to discern. On page 191 a raid by the Federals on the house of a Copperhead uncovered an arsenal that included shotguns, revolvers, rifles, ammunition, caps, powder, cartridge-making molds, (and) "pistol printers" … . Can anyone enlighten me as to what "pistol printers" are? Any help in this endeavor would greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Pollaco]

Blue prints of revolvers maybe?

 

[Don Dixon]

I would conclude that what was probably being referred to was pistol primers (i.e., percussion caps for pistols). The earlier reference to "caps" was probably to musket percussion caps.

 

[Kurtlg]

Possibly a transcription error. Percussion caps were also called percussion primers so perhaps it should be "pistol primers" instead of "pistol printers".

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. Even though caps are mentioned, might possible be pistol primers

 

[Pollaco]

It seems this James D. Horan ought to know what he's talking about. Didn't he also write a book or two about gunslingers in the Old West?

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome. I'm leaning its pistol primers.

 

[Myrna]

Thanks to everyone for your prompt and informative replies. I agree. It must be a reference to primers, and yes, Horan did write several books on the western frontier. Thanks again!

 

[7thWisconsin]

It seems this James D. Horan ought to know what he's talking about. Didn't he also write a book or two about gunslingers in the Old West?

James D Horan was probably the first author to approach writing about the west like a real scholar or detective, investigating and evaluating evidence rather than just accepting it whole cloth. His book ¨Desperate Men¨ is one of my favorites. He had a real ¨true crime¨ feel to his writing style, so he was never boring.