School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)
John (and on some records – Johannes) Derr is one of Berks County’s most prolific gun makers. He made rifles, smooth bore guns and pistols of a wide variety of styles, including swivel rifles from 1800 until 1850. Guns from Derr are almost always signed, either with a stamp, “John Derr” or in script, “John Derr, Oley Valley” on the top facet of the barrel. He was trained by Henry Mauger and his standard patch box design is similar to Maugers. He often used barrels made by the Wyomissing Creek barrel makers in Cumru Township.
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