GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
KUTZTOWN "PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH" CARVED PETER ANSTAT RIFLE. PETER ANGSTAT KENTUCKY NSN .65 Overall Length of rifle us 67-3/4". Butt dimensions are 1-3/4" wide and 4" high. This rifle has a 44-1/2" full octagon smooth bore .65 caliber unsigned barrel. Peter Anstat rifles are sought after by collectors and students of Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art. Peter's simple incised carving style is universally accepted as among the best Folk Art available in the Kentucky rifle field. The four-piece brass patch box is lightly engraved and its side-panels flare out to extend from toe to comb at the rear. The hand forged Pa. German lock is unmarked. There is a wide brass decorative plate with scalloped edge from toe to comb on the cheek piece side of the butt. Of further interest is the unique and dramatic incise carving rear of the cheek-piece which presents a well done carved Eagle with shield. Barrel tang carving is Anstat's typical Kutztown "Dutch" style. The engraved brass side plate has two piercings. The cheek piece inlay is lightly engraved with an upside down Eagle. The 6-1/2" long toe plate and 10" brass saddle-plate are not engraved. The trigger guard is engraved and its bow features Peter's "signature" asterisk design. The entire stock is profusely incised carved including the fore end with an incised line on both sides that encircles each of the three barrel wedges and inlays. The rural area of Maxatawney Township Pennsylvania is considered by many to be the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, and Kutztown is its largest town. The plain Maple stock has a Dutch reddish tint finish. In his landmark book Joe Kindig notes in his opinion "Peter is the most interesting gunsmith of the Anstat family". CONDITION: Carving is sharp and clear. Black light inspection reveals no evidence of any added fore end wood. Finish shows only normal age related wear. Rifle is very good overall. 53105-5 RGG (8,000-12,000)