The N.E.D. gives only 1830; but the “Ketland” people, 1806, were probably English. The writer is informed by the director of Westley Richards & Co. that this trigger, called “Stecker,” was invented at Munich in 1543. The French call it the “double detente.” See Aug. Demmin’s ‘Weapons of War,’ tr. C. C. Black, p. 522, with picture (Lond., 1870).
1806. I know not whether hair-triggered pistols are in use in Pennsylvania. They are excellent where one can keep a steady hand. Where there is a trepidation, as will sometimes be the case, I would not recommend them.—The Balance, Jan. 7, p. 5/1, Duelling.
1806. Hair-triggered Pistols—the surest shot with a steady hand.—Id., July 22, p. 227/1.
1806. Mr. Wallach announces that he has received “a supply of rifles, with or without hair triggers,” made by Ketland & Co.—The Repertory, Nov. 25.
1826. I … managed to exhibit a neat pair of hair triggers to these two worthies, who exchanged very significant looks thereupon.—J. K. Paulding, ‘John Bull in America,’ p. 34 (N.Y.).
1826. [In his duel with Henry Clay,] Mr. Randolph said [to his second], “Tattnall, although I am one of the best shots in Virginia, with either a pistol or gun, yet I never fire with the hair trigger; besides, I have a thick buckskin glove on, which will destroy the delicacy of my touch, and the trigger may fly before I know where I am.”—H. A. Garland, ‘Life of Randolph,’ ii. 260 (1851).
1841. When the bill is reported, some hair-trigger gentleman of your party will spring to the floor, [and] move the previous question.—Mr. Weller of Ohio, House of Repr., Aug. 4: Cong. Globe, p. 499, App.
