A fisherman, Nate DeMontigny, made a startling discovery while magnet fishing from a bridge. Magnet fishing involves using a Neodymium magnet attached to a rope to search for magnetic items. Initially mistaking it for a cosmetics case, Nate found a metal container and decided to open it before planning to discard it. To his surprise, he uncovered a Derringer pistol, a small firearm known for firing one or two rounds, named after its inventor Henry Deringer. This type of firearm has a historical connection to John Wilkes Booth, who allegedly used a similar weapon to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Nate speculated that the gun might have been discarded in the river due to it being stolen and the owner fearing detection.
Upon finding the firearm, Nate promptly contacted the local police, who retrieved and examined the weapon. The Bridgewater Police Department will retain the gun for a year to see if anyone claims it before deciding its fate. Nate expressed his intentions to restore and display the firearm in a shadow box if permitted to keep it, considering it one of his best finds. He mentioned that officers indicated he could reclaim it if it is cleaned properly.
Magnet fishing is a popular activity among enthusiasts in the US, not only for finding valuable items but also for clearing rivers and lakes of metallic debris that could pollute or obstruct waterways.