L. Gerteis & J. W. Dempsey - Makers - New Orleans
L. GERTEIS & J. W. DEMPSEY long range target rifle, with false-muzzle and guide bullet starter, and adjustable "globe sights".
Louis Gerteis and John W. Dempsey were both gunsmith/gunmakers in New Orleans, Louisiana, from as early as 1855. Dempsey disappears from city directories after 1872. Gerteis was still listed in the 1979 directory, as well as the 1880 census. They are only listed in partnership in the city directory for 1860. Given the time period, I have to believe that there is an excellent possibility that this rifle might have served as a sharpshooter's (sniper's) rifle by a Confederate sharpshooter.
Louis Gerteis was born in Bavaria in about 1831, as was his wife, Mary. His son Louis, born in Louisiana in 1859, also became a gunsmith, and is listed as such in the 1880 census.
John W. Dempsey was born in New York, in about 1830. He appears to have been a single man.
L. Gerteis & J. W. Dempsey - Makers - New Orleans
L. GERTEIS & J. W. DEMPSEY long range target rifle, with false-muzzle and guide bullet starter, and adjustable "globe sights".
Louis Gerteis and John W. Dempsey were both gunsmith/gunmakers in New Orleans, Louisiana, from as early as 1855. Dempsey disappears from city directories after 1872. Gerteis was still listed in the 1979 directory, as well as the 1880 census. They are only listed in partnership in the city directory for 1860. Given the time period, I have to believe that there is an excellent possibility that this rifle might have served as a sharpshooter's (sniper's) rifle by a Confederate sharpshooter.
Louis Gerteis was born in Bavaria in about 1831, as was his wife, Mary. His son Louis, born in Louisiana in 1859, also became a gunsmith, and is listed as such in the 1880 census.
John W. Dempsey was born in New York, in about 1830. He appears to have been a single man.