A flintlock in the style of Lancaster lockmaker John Dreppert ("Drepperd"). It is hand-made out of bar stock from scratch by Rich Wheeler and fellow Guild member, Paul Johnson, so we are calling it the "Wheeler-Johnson" lock. Moldings still has to be filed and decorative engraving added, which will be done later once the Guild members have worked on engraving techniques.Originally, the lock was intended to be put on a flintlock in the style of Lancaster gunsmith Melchior Fordney being collectively built by Guild members largely from scratch, but containing a production barrel, butt-plate and trigger guard. Unfortunately, the lock was not ready for inletting when we needed it, so we went with a production, Ketland lock. Consequently, the Wheeler-Johnson lock will go on the Guild's next rifle project or, perhaps, be raffled, auctioned or sold separately.
Bill Madden, President
Montana Historical Gunmaker's Guild
While surfing I came across your presentation of the replica flintlock of my Great-Great-Great Grandfather John Drepperd. FYI the first John ("John I, 1756-1818) was a weaver/tailor. His son John (John II 1784-1864)was the gunsmith who started the "dynasty" which lasted from 1800-1864. John II was assisted by brothers Henry (1807-1849) & Andrew (1806-1862) and John II had a son John III (1815-1896). So we had a total of 5 members of my family that were gunsmiths who made fine quality weapons. The 5 were the two Johns, Andrew, Henry who had a son William also a gunsmith. In 2008 I published an article about my family in the Lancaster County Historical Society's Journal.
ReplyDeleteThank you for highlighting the fine work of these craftsmen.
Albert Drepperd, Merritt Island Florida drepperd7578gr@cfl.rr.com.