Joseph John DeChristopher

1936 - 2015

My Grandfather (Joe DeChristopher) started this business in 1955 collecting and restoring Springfield’s and selling parts he acquired from Stokes Kirk and Bannerman’s Island Arsenal.

In 1960, at age 24, he graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy and served with the Philadelphia Police until his final post on Mayor Tate’s personal bodyguard detail. He left the Police Department in 1968 when he moved to Bucks County to focus, full time, on his Automotive & Military Gun Parts Business.

He published his first mail order catalog "United States Military Equipment and Firearms Parts" in 1969 and printed these through 1982 with several updates.  For most of his life he set up displays at many Eastern Pennsylvania Gun Shows and was a regular at the Forks of the Delaware Historical Arms Society's shows at the Allentown Fairgrounds. 

I helped my Grandfather bring this business into the 21st Century, expanding our reach on the internet with much success.  Sadly, my Grandfather died suddenly, in an automobile accident, on July 31, 2015 at the age of 79 while we were on our way to the “Das Awkscht Fescht” in Macungie, PA.  His loss was felt throughout the US Military Collector's world but his legacy was not left to chance. 

He taught me everything I know about this field and yet he probably had forgotten more than I will ever know.  I am proud to carry on his legacy and hope to build upon it for the next generation to come.

“Forks of the Delaware Weapons Association” Allentown Fairgrounds Show, April 1979

Joe DeChristopher at Hartford, CT gun show 1970

About Me

My name is David B. Stewart III. I was born and raised in Bucks County Pennsylvania. I grew up spending time with my Grandfather helping him around his warehouse and watching him as he worked on his Springfield parts. Despite my current occupation I am formally trained as a filmmaker, photographer and screenwriter. I spent much of my youth working on local independent films. I am currently raising the next generation of GGP in hopes that I will one day be able to pass it on to them. I’m a collector of War Trophies, Iraqi Militaria, WWII Militaria and generally anything odd or with a story to tell. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for “The Forks of the Delaware Historical Arms Society” in Easton, PA. And despite the name of my business… No, I am not a Grandfather yet. (And I’m in no hurry).