John Derrick Contemporary Rifle

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Hello ALL.

I guess you could say this rifle was built using a Jager type general stock profile. But the lock, barrel profile, and hardware are all quite different. Reminiscent of the Rococo style of decoration during the 1720-1770 period. Heavy raised carving throughout the stock. Lots of eye candy on this one. (By the way, there is another one of J.D.'s guns recently posted on the Pre-Flintlock section of the Forum. An English Snaphaunce. Posted by member Flint62. The Thread also includes a bit of history of the builder and his inspiration for the Rococo period). Anyway, here are the general specs on my gun:

GUN: A Jager-ish type rifle built with period Rococo type hardware.

LOCK: The lock is unmarked inside or outside. It's pistol size. Only about 4" long by 13/16" wide. Even looking through the last TRS catalog, I can't find a match. It sparks/functions excellent. Maybe another member here recognizes who made it.

STOCK: Looks like American walnut (?) I'm not good at ID-ing wood. Engraved bone nose cap and wrist inlay. Rococo style brass hardware throughout. Lots of raised carving. Wrist mounting for peep sight (included with gun, not shown). Single trigger.

BARREL: Unknown maker. Octagon to round with wedding band. 32" long by .40 caliber rifled. Fancy rear sight, brass blade front sight. A curious feature is that the barrel pins sit slightly proud of the stock. And looks intentional.

CONDITION: As new. Unfired.

Overall, the gun and it's Rococo decoration and extensive raised carving is actually a bit much for my tastes. As well, the lock style and size don't fit the overall profile. And my thinking is the barrel should have been tapered and flared octagon. The octagon to round seems out of place. But, it is what it is. So, why did I purchase it. LOL Two reasons: 1. I bought it at a real bargain price. Especially considering all the work that went into it. 2. The weight. It weighs 6.75-lbs. And that's with a heavy sling and buckle. I'm 74 now. The 10-lb. guns are too heavy. I can still do the 8-lb. guns OK. But the day will come when even the 8-lb. guns will be on the heavy side. So my thinking was to buy this gun now while I can for down the road. Come to think of it, this rifle, due to it's look and light weight would make a nice shooter for a Lady muzzle loader. LOL Anyway, picture heavy here so you can get an idea of all the work that went into it's build.

Rick

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Hi Flint.

YES, you could post your Spanish influenced one here also. Good idea.

"Becky's" lock. Why didn't I think of that. I even have a small belt pistol using that lock. Thanks for advising this old guy. LOL

Rick
 
Many of his guns were on auction this year. Certainly noteworthy for the time and effort in them. Most sold at low prices, which seemed unfortunate but understandable given the heavy cast parts and bold carving that Derrick all did in his shop. I guess he pursued his hobby with passion and that's part of him you're carrying on.
 
John Derrick knew beauty, he married Ursula Andress, Linda Evan’s, and Bo Derek, wait. . . that’s John Derek, not Derrick. Any way that is one incredibly beautiful rifle, just like all of your pieces that you post pictures of. Thank you for making us all really jealous.
 
YES, you could post your Spanish influenced one here also. Good idea.
This is somewhat a sister rifle to Rick's above, also in 40-cal with the same profile barrel, but with a Spanish-influenced buttstock. The patchbox is on the bottom of the butt. It doesn't appear to be the 'Becky' lock, but another brand/model.

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Many of his guns were on auction this year. Certainly noteworthy for the time and effort in them. Most sold at low prices, which seemed unfortunate but understandable given the heavy cast parts and bold carving that Derrick all did in his shop. I guess he pursued his hobby with passion and that's part of him you're carrying on.
Hi Boom

Yes, his guns were sold for what we would call bargain prices. I think all the extensive carving, inlays, and Rococo hardware together is a bit over the top for many shooters. I would include myself in that category. But mine is so light weight, I couldn't resist. LOL
 
Here's a Jaeger by John Derrick ... have tried 3 loads through it so far, all ONE HOLE groups, due to the heavy Jaeger barrel but smaller 45 bore. Am considering re-rifling her to a 54 or 58 for hunting.

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More photos of Mr. Derrick's work here: https://www.muzzleloadingforum.com/...erling-silver-adorned-germanic-jaeger.181385/
Hi Flint

I believe .45 is "just" enough for hunting in most States. If it shoots that good on your first three tries, I would have a tough time convincing myself to enlarge the caliber. However, I understand your thinking. It would be tempting. How much does this one weigh even with the heavier barrel ?

Rick
 
Thought I'd add my Derrick Jaeger. This one is a .50. All furniture is cast brass. Features elk antler ramrod tip and inlays that almost seem to be his trademark. I'm a lefty but can manage a good sight picture by tilting my head slightly.
John
 

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Hi Lakman

GREAT. Another Derrick rifle shows up. Glad I started this Thread. LOL He sure liked to do wood carving. Thanks for posting your rifle. Maybe we will see another ?

Rick
 
Two out of three barrel pins and all ramrod ferrule pins are slightly proud. All pins are slightly tapered at the tips. Seems to make removal and reinsertion easier.
John
 

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