Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. This is a fantastic example of an octagonal barreled "Kentucky" style rifle, which more correctly is known as a Pennsylvania Rifle. It is in one of the standard calibers we usually see these in, .43.-45", and has a heavy octagonal barrel. The rifle was built in the United States using a "trade" flintlock from England, marked LONDON / WARRANTED. This was very common in the early 19th century American firearms.
We estimate that this octagonal barrel rifle was made about 1818, and it is marked on the top of the barrel by maker JOHN DERR. John (and on some records – Johannes) Derr was one of Berks County, Pennsylvania'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. 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.
This wonderful rifle features all brass mounts, including a "resting bar" on the underside of the forestock. The full length stock is made entirely from "Tiger" Maple, which is highly "flame" figured from muzzle to butt, probably one of the most attractive stocks we have ever seen. There is no damage, cracking, or repairs that we can see. It has a lovely cheek piece on the left side, with a brass "Moon" inlay. The right side has a spring loaded "horsehead" patch box, which is unlocked using a hidden button on the toe of the butt stock, which looks like an extension of the butt plate. There is also an unmarked brass escutcheon on the back of the wrist.
The lock on this example is functional, though the tumbler is worn, so it will fire at both half and full cock. We checked the bore, and it looks to have seen quite a bit of use, which has worn the rifling away. The barrel is equipped with low profile standard fixed sights. There is a replacement ramrod installed, which is just a dowel with a spiral design stained onto it.
A great early Pennsylvania Flintlock Rifle in fantastic condition. A truly lovely specimen, ready to display!
Specifications-
Year of Manufacture: c.1820
Caliber: approx .43"
Cartridge Type: Ball and Powder
Barrel Length: 42 Inches
Overall Length: 58 1/2 Inches
Action type: Side Action Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle Loading
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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