Lot Essay
For a similar fat lamp by Derr, see Spears, p. 77, pl. 29.
Peter Derr (1793-1868) worked in Berks County as a brazier, coppersmith and founder. His father, Johannes Derr, was a pewterer and was known to have collaborated frequently with Johann Christian Heyne. Derr's first known masterpiece, the Staff of David gallow's lamp, was completed in 1818 when Derr was twenty-five. Perhaps most commonly known of Derr's lighting devices are his wrought iron, copper and brass (and combinations thereof) fat, or "betty" lamps. Among the last items he is known to have made are pewter topped canteens, knives and needles for the Berks County Regiment during the Cival War. For several years, Derr was also involved with the foundry Haag, Kline & Company in Bernville. See also lot 63.
Peter Derr (1793-1868) worked in Berks County as a brazier, coppersmith and founder. His father, Johannes Derr, was a pewterer and was known to have collaborated frequently with Johann Christian Heyne. Derr's first known masterpiece, the Staff of David gallow's lamp, was completed in 1818 when Derr was twenty-five. Perhaps most commonly known of Derr's lighting devices are his wrought iron, copper and brass (and combinations thereof) fat, or "betty" lamps. Among the last items he is known to have made are pewter topped canteens, knives and needles for the Berks County Regiment during the Cival War. For several years, Derr was also involved with the foundry Haag, Kline & Company in Bernville. See also lot 63.