John Krider: Philadelphia’s Renowned Gunsmith and Innovator

John Krider was a name well-known among 19th-century American sportsmen, particularly in Philadelphia, where his gun shop became a staple of the local sporting community. Situated at the northeast corner of Second and Walnut Streets, Krider’s shop wasn’t just a place to purchase firearms; it was a hub of innovation and craftsmanship, where the latest advancements in gunmaking were adapted and perfected for the American market. Among the many firearms that passed through Krider’s hands, a particularly notable piece is a 12-gauge pinfire shotgun that exemplifies his blend of European influences and American ingenuity.

This shotgun, a striking example of Krider’s work, features a Dougall Lockfast action—a design that was patented in 1860 by the Scottish gunsmith James Dougall. The Lockfast action, known for its forward-sliding, drop-down breech mechanism, was a significant improvement in firearm safety and reliability. It allowed for a more secure lock-up of the barrels, which was crucial for the pinfire system that was gaining popularity during that era. The Dougall design was revered for its innovation, and it’s no surprise that Krider, always on the lookout for cutting-edge technology, chose to incorporate this action into his own products.

What makes this particular shotgun even more intriguing is the combination of names and marks found on it. Alongside Krider’s own name, the rib of the shotgun bears the inscription “Robertson Philadelphia,” referring to William Robertson, a fellow Philadelphia gunsmith whose shop was located next door to Krider’s. Robertson was known for his craftsmanship but seems to have ceased operations around 1860, making any collaboration between him and Krider a product of the period just before his retirement. The barrels of the shotgun, meanwhile, carry Birmingham proof marks, indicating that they were either manufactured or at least tested in Birmingham, England, before being imported to the United States.

This mix of British and American craftsmanship is characteristic of the period. Many American gunsmiths, Krider among them, recognized the quality of European firearms and sought to incorporate European-made components into their own products. Birmingham, in particular, was a major center for gunmaking, known for its rigorous proofing standards. By importing proofed barrels from Birmingham and combining them with locally made components, Krider was able to offer his customers firearms that were not only innovative but also reliable and of the highest quality.

The collaboration between Krider and Robertson, hinted at by the markings on this shotgun, underscores the close-knit nature of Philadelphia’s gunmaking community during the mid-19th century. These were men who shared not just a trade, but a commitment to advancing the craft of gunmaking. The fact that this shotgun is in near-mint condition, with vivid case colors that have been impeccably preserved, suggests that it was highly valued by its owner and perhaps used sparingly, if at all. The preservation of these colors is particularly remarkable, as they tend to fade with use and exposure to the elements. This pristine state, combined with the rarity of finding a Krider-marked pinfire shotgun with proof marks only on the barrels, makes this firearm a unique and valuable artifact.

This shotgun also tells a broader story about the transatlantic exchange of ideas and technologies that shaped the development of firearms in America. Krider’s ability to adapt European designs, like the Dougall Lockfast action, for the American market speaks to his resourcefulness and his understanding of what his customers wanted—firearms that combined the best of European precision with the rugged practicality needed for American conditions. In many ways, this 12-gauge pinfire shotgun is a microcosm of the larger trends in 19th-century gunmaking, where innovation was driven by a blend of old-world craftsmanship and new-world demands.

John Krider’s legacy in American firearms history is not just that of a skilled gunsmith, but of a man who bridged two worlds, bringing together the finest elements of European and American gunmaking to create products that were both beautiful and functional. This shotgun, with its mix of British proof marks, American assembly, and Philadelphia craftsmanship, is a fitting tribute to that legacy—a tangible reminder of the ingenuity and collaboration that defined an era.

Trotter, S. (1914). John Krider [Photograph]. In S. Trotter, Some Old Philadelphia Bird Collectors and Taxidermists (p. 1). Cassinia, Proceedings of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, No. XVIII. Philadelphia, PA.

Philadelphia Department of Records. (ca. 1871). John Krider’s Shop, Walnut Street at 2nd [Albumen print]. PhillyHistory.org. https://www.phillyhistory.org/photoarchive/Detail.aspx?assetId=97897

USA & PINFIRE: The Untold Story of Pinfire in America

Much of this article was first published recently in a monograph I put together to go along with an award-winning display detailing the relationship between the United States and Pinfire. You can purchase a copy of it on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4eViFqh or get a digital copy with a donation to The Lefaucheux Museum.