Riflemakers List

Derr, John (Johannes)

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.

Dettmar, William

School: Salem (North Carolina/NC)

Born in Germany in 1832. He apprenticed in Old Salem, North Carolina under Timothy Vogler. He is considered one of the later gunsmiths working in Salem. There is one known example of a large padlock stamped with his name.
Source:
Ivey, William. North Carolina Schools of Longrifles 1765-1865. Thomasville, NC: Published by the Author, 2010. Print.

Metzger, Jacob, Sr.

School: Maryland

Frederick Census records reveal that Jacob Metzger, Sr., was born during the mid 1760s and was learning the gunsmith trade in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, probably with Jacob Groff, during the Revolution. His shop was located on East King St., near DeMuth’s Tocacco Shop. On January 15, 1788, he purchased lot No. 5 in Fredericktown. His wife, Christiana, was born in Lancaster County on July 14, 1766. A son, Jacob Jr., was born to them on January 1, 1789. Jacob Sr.’s last will and testament was written on June 19, 1826, and the will was probated on October 9, 1837. Jacob Metzger, Jr. may have followed his father’s trade bacause, in 1856, a gunsmith by the name of Jacob T. Metzger, who may have been a grandson to Jacob Sr., was working in Lancaster on North Queen Street above Orange Street. By 1863 that man was working in Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1879 Montgomery County, Indiana. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. Jacob Metzker, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 26-45, 4 females under 10, 1 female 26-45. {1800 Frederick County census} Jacob Metzker, 2 males under 10, 1 male 10-16, 1 male 45 & up, 2 females under 10, 1 female to 26, 1 female to 45, 1 female 45 and up. {1820 Frederick County census, District 3} For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.

Beyer, Nicholas

School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)

Nicholas Beyer (c.1780-1850)is regarded today as one of the grand masters of the late golden age of flintlock riflebuilding. Beyer was most likely an apprentice of J. P Beck of Lebanon, PA. Beyer worked near Annville at the dawn of the 19th century and produced many fine guns. His patchboxes often feature a bird finial and his general style suggests strong “Pennsylvania Dutch” folk influence. Beyer rifles are in some of today’s best collections, and specimens can be found with either full-octagon or octagon-to-round barrel configurations. Many of his barrels are inscribed boldly on the top facet “N. Beyer.” Along with J. P. Beck, Beyer occasionally marked INRI or DEO on the underside of his barrels. He was a masterful woodcarver and capable engraver. The federal census of 1850 lists a Nicholas Boyer, age 70, among those dwelling at the almshouse in South Lebanon Township. As no death or burial records have been found for Beyer, it is probable that the old master was buried in Potter’s Field.

Young, John

School: Northampton/Lehigh (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Young worked in Easton, Northampton County, PA. An early maker, he built Committee of Safety muskets during the revolution and continued building flintlocks into the early 19th century. Both John and his brother Henry were builders of excellent rifles, yet their styles are more personal than they are representative of classic Lehigh/Northampton architecture.

 

Marker, Jacob

School: Maryland

Sharpsburg Jacob Marker was born in 1832 the son of James and Amelia Naeff Marker. He was raised in the Sharpsburg area and, after working with his father in the gun business, took over the gunshop in 1855. In 1869 Jacob made his first real estate purchase, jointly with his father, in sharpsburg. He was elected sheriff of Washington County in 1875 and his last indenture was recorded in 1890. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.