Indeed, there seems to be David Beringer (1756-1821) who was born and died in Nuremberg, and a D. Beringer, who lived in Dieppe in 1725. However, it is not quiet clear who of these two made the 1736 and 1776 dials, and one should also check whether Zinner's data are correct.
The dates of birth and death which I sent before are from Pilz, Kurt: 600 Jahre Astronomie in Nuernberg. Nuernberg 1977, p. 330. David Beringer (1756-1821) is also mentioned as a globe maker in Allmeyer-Beck, Peter E. (ed.): Modelle der Welt. Erd- und Himmelsgloben. Wien 1997, p. 245. The Websters Instrument Makers Database, http://www.adlerplanetarium.org/history/websters/ lists much more sources. The date for "BERINGER, D., AND G.P. SEYFRIED" given there is "Germany, c. 1800", with the comment "David Beringer". It lists also a "BERINGER, D." separately, with the comment "possibly David Beringer". I hope this helps - but it seems that the (second?) D. Beringer needs to be investigated. Are you on the Rete discussion group? If not, I may forward our correspondence there - perhaps some specialists for scientific instruments know more. Best wishes, Wolfgang -
