September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
This rifle's use is photo documented in two very popular John Wayne motion pictures. The first, RKO Studio's 1939 release of the motion picture "Allegheny Uprising" starring John Wayne and Claire Trevor. Set in the pre-Revolutionary War time period, " Allegheny Uprising" illustrates the American unrest with the British, especially as it was exhibited on the fringes of the wilderness. This exact rifle was used again by John Wayne ten years later in 1949 when Republic Pictures produced the motion picture "Fighting Kentuckian" which also starred the comedic talents of Oliver Hardy. It is also said to have been used in "The Alamo" but we have no stills of that movie to confirm this. At some point, the rifle forestock has been broken off. Left side of the barrel has the Stembridge Studio inventory stamp "S517" and stamped on stock "S101". This same "101" can be found stamped on the trigger guard. This rifle comes with an assortment of reproduction studio stills, in which you can plainly make out many of the unique details of this rifle. There is even a shot of Claire Trevor holding this rifle. There is also a copy of a photograph of Cecil DeMille posed with the rifle. The rifle itself features a .48 caliber smoothbore two-stage iron barrel, 43" in length. The top is signed "AA/87" in script for Adam Angstadt and probably 1787. The top flat also features an engraved face and star. Rear sight is in the center of the block surrounded by double line borders, all typical of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania style. Flat lockplate with some parts replaced. Brass furniture including typical Angstadt four-piece brass patchbox with pierced finial and scattered areas of scroll engraving. Lehigh County triggerguard and sideplate decorated with engraved designs and a star. Vacant brass wrist escutcheon and star engraved on oval inlay above cheekpiece. Plain maple stock of familiar Lehigh County form with Roman nose buttstock. Barrel and lock retain a brown patina, but, showing some wear. Brass retains a dark patina and has not been polished. Stock is missing about 30" of forend, which could be easily and affordably restored. The entry thimble and one of the other original thimbles are included, but one is missing. The other lock screw is also present. This is a unique opportunity to acquire a real Kentucky flintlock long rifle used by the larger-than-life movie star John Wayne in two of his most popular non-cowboy Indian Wars genre. Includes five original "Allegheny Uprising" lobby cards in varied condition and a reproduction "The Fighting Kentuckian" lobby card.