November 17, 2020 Early Arms & Militaria: Age of Exploration, Empire & Revolution
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2020
This rifle dates to about 1800 and is signed by Joseph Angstadt who worked in Maxatawny Township in Berks County, Pennsylvania. For another example from the Joe Kindig, Jr. collection with nearly identical carving on the buttstock, see rifle no. 18 on page 54 of "Berks County Longrifles & Gunmakers 1750-1900" by Patrick Hornberger. The rifle has a 44" full-length .45 caliber smoothbore octagon barrel with a brass front sight and an iron rear sight with punch-dot decoration. There are also sprigs of decoration and each sides of the rear sight, as well as behind the front sight. The rifle is signed on the top flat in block letters "JOS ANG" along with other decorative pinwheel designs. The lock is probably a replacement and features stamp engraving as well as "LONDON" stamped in the center. The brass furniture is uniquely indicative of Joseph Angstadt and includes an ornate and large pieced four-piece patchbox with engraved designs. The trigger guard is of the style seen in Lehigh County, as it features a large lug at the front of the bow. There is also an engraved toeplate terminating in an arrow, as well as a long wearplate extending from the ramrod entry ferrule and engraved with designs and borders mirroring those found on the patchbox. There are shaped brass escutcheons around each of the barrel keys on the left side only. The full length, partially figured maple stock is of familiar Berks County form with a Roman nose buttstock and a slender wrist. There are incised folk art designs around the barrel tang on both sides of the wrist and a large folk art motif incorporating 'C' scrolls behind the cheekpiece. Above the cheekpiece, there is a pierced and engraved eight-point silver star. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy brown patina showing some scattered corrosion. Signature is clear and very good. Lock is a possible replacement and has been reconverted, does not hold on full cock. Lock has some corrosion and retains a brown surface. Brass retains a mustard patina and shows some scattered areas of casting flaws. Stock retains much of its original dark finish and patina, and shows scattered areas of wear and marks from use. The wooden ramrod is original. There is a minor chip replaced at the toe, as well as a small piece between the back of the lockplate tang and the barrel tang. This is a very good example of a Joseph Angstadt rifle.
Caliber/Bore
.45 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle