KENTUCKY RIFLE SIGNED, CARVED, & INLAID GOLDEN AGE
Signed "John Derr" On The Top Flat of the Barrel
This late golden age flintlock rifle is a classic Oley Valley, Berks County Pennsylvania rifle signed by a member of the famous metalsmithing Derr family. The full incise carved tiger maple stock is in pristine, untouched condition. This rifle is brass mounted with the typical four piece patchbox and the classic Derr "drooping feather" finial which copied Derr's master Henry Maugher. The rifle dates circa 1820-1830 and sports 13 silver inlays as well as a brass wear plate between the trigger guard and the entry ferrule and a brass comb inlay running its length. The rifle measures 57 1/4 inches overall and has a 41 1/2 inch octagon to round smooth rifle barrel in .48 caliber. For additional information on John Derr, see Patrick Hornberger's excellent book "BERKS COUNTY LONGRIFLES & GUNMAKERS 1750-1900". Pgs 17-19 and Pgs. 89-90.
Condition: Excellent and untouched condition. The original flintlock is in its original flintlock condition. The beautiful tiger maple full stock is incise carved and sports its original "fiddle finish" which Derr is noted for.
Reference: "BERKS COUNTY LONGRIFLES & GUNMAKERS 1750-1900" by Patrick Hornberge.