January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle is still accompanied by its silver award plaque from the Kentucky Rifle Association when it won the award for the "Best Inlaid Rifle" in 1992. Adam Angstadt was born in Berks County in 1738. He is listed in "Daughters of the American Revolution Patriot Index" in recognition for his service during the Revolutionary War. He remained on the tax records in Rockland Township through the 1780's listed as a gunsmith and clock maker. It is presumed that he died in 1812 at the age of 74. The rifle features twin octagon rifled barrels, both with brass front sights and iron rear sights. Both barrels have breeches complete with pans and frizzens, facing in opposite directions. Between the barrels on both sides are long strips of highly figured maple, one side with five unengraved silver inlays, the other with ramrod ferrules and a wooden ramrod. There is a brass strip at the muzzle on both sides, imitating a nose cap. The flat lockplate on the right side has beveled edges and the rifle is fitted with a set trigger. To release the barrels and allow them to swivel, the trigger guard bow must be pulled at the front. There is a brass sideplate on the opposite side of the lock. The rifle has an ornate, pierced and engraved four piece patching, as well as an unengraved comb wearplate, and an ornate inlaid and engraved brass pick holder and cheekpiece guard. There are three silver inlays behind the barrel tang, the wrist escutcheon is surround by brass pins. There are small brass stars inlaid on both sides of the wrist and a teardrop shaped silver inlay on the toe, following a plain brass toeplate. On the left side, there is a pierced silver star inlaid above the cheekpiece and two crescent strips of brass, one engraved, closely mirroring the shape of the buttplate, along with a silver six point star.The highly figured maple buttstock is of classic Roman nose Berks County form. CONDITION: Barrels retains a spotted brown patina, showing some edge wear. Both locks have been professionally reconverted to flintlock configuration. Brass retains a mellowing mustard patina. Mechanism functions properly. Stock shows a professionally repaired break through the lock and sideplate with some slivers replaced. A small piece has been replaced at the toe as well as a small piece on the right side of the forestock. Otherwise, there is some wear and scattered marks. Also a couple slivers replaced around the frizzed springs on both sides. This is a scarce and very well decorated example of a Berks County rifle.
Manufacturer
Adam Angstadt
Model
Flintlock Swivel Breech