November 5th & 6th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2016
Octagonal smoothbore barrel, unmarked; unmarked original flintlock lock. Brass furniture includes early two-piece patchbox with pie crust engraving on lid, tombstone shaped toeplate, small vacant oval wrist escutcheon with pin in center, and engraved full Anstat sideplate. Silver moon inlaid above cheekpiece engraved with face. Partially figured full-length maple stock featuring a relief carved lion behind the cheekpeice, surrounded by fine relief "C" scrolls with folk-art accents. Also carved with incised and relief scrolls on each side of wrist. Relief "C" scrolls behind barrel tang and stylized tear drops behind lock tang and sideplate. Relief winged head with face carved behind ramrod entry ferrule and incised double-line border along each side or fore-end. Very few examples of rifles that feature animal carving are known. For a very similar rifle by Peter Angstat, see pages 167-170 of "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" by Joe Kindig, Jr. Anstat worked in the Bethlehem school and is believed to be an early maker because of the comb, profile, and shape of his buttplates. Very good condition, dark brown and even patina on barrel and original flint lock. Brass retains a mellow patina. Carving is excellent and does not show heavy wear. Stock refinished and 22-1/2 inches of fore-end professionally replaced.