December 18th 2010 Firearms (9)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/17/2010
Overall length: 57 inches. Barrel length: 41 - 1/2 inches. This highly attractive Kentucky rifle is quite easily recognized as the work of Adam Angstadt, perhaps the very best gunsmith of the Angstadt family, who resided in Berks County, east of Reading near Kutztown. Not only is this rifle exceptionally graceful in its "Roman-nose" buttstock but it also has a rich color and pleasing finish to its overall fine curly maple stock. There are 11 silver inlays on the stock of various shapes, all well-engraved. In addition, the stock is relief-carved around the barrel tang and both in front and behind the cheek piece. To be noted, however, this rifle was carried and used, therefore, the low relief carving shows wear but is still quite visible. The buttstock has exceptional sculpting with a long wrist and hallowed out comb, which is further enhanced by the exceptional, pierced finial brass patchbox, having finely engraved sideplates and brass lid. A bold brass toe plate and brass teardrop embellish the underside of the stock, behind the trigger guard, and also has a double-lobed "touchhole-pick" brass inlay beneath the cheek piece. Also, there is a seven-inch brass wear plate which is simply line engraved. Whether this is original or slightly later add-on is conjectural. The rifling is still intact and the lock shows evidence of being in its original manufacture (or an extremely well-done conversion). Clearly, this extremely fine Angstadt rifle is highly pleasing and after lifetimes of usage and care. The finish also is original, a nice plus for today's collector.