October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
John Derr was one of the most prolific makers in Berks County. He worked in the Oley Valley. This example is stamped "JOHN DERR" on the top flat of the octagonal smoothbore barrel. Front and rear sights have single line borders on both sides. Flat lockplate stamped in center "JNo JONES / & Co". The trigger is pierced and has a rearward curl. Brass furniture includes typical Derr style four piece patchbox, which is also very close to that used by Henry Mauger. Flat brass sideplate with beveled edges and elongated tombstone rear tang. Faceted trigger guard and a brass wearplate with tulip shapes at both ends. Small, vacant silver wrist escutcheon and an unengraved silver eagle above the cheekpiece. Full length figured maple stock with high relief cheekpiece and incised scroll decoration on left side behind cheekpiece. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy, brown patina with scattered areas of corrosion. Lock has been reconverted and retains a brown patina. Brass furniture has been polished and hinge of patchbox lid has been repaired. Stock retains much original finish and shows some losses and cracks around barrel tang and some losses to carving around lockplate, otherwise some scattered grain cracks and about 6-1/2" of forend have been replaced. Wooden ramrod appears to be original.
Caliber/Bore
.45 Smoothbore