Unsigned Joseph Angstat, Berks County, Pennsylvania ca 1790

Here is an early rifle from the Blue Mountain region of Berks County. The Angstat family made rifles in this area for decades. The maker could be Joseph born in 1765 or Peter born in 1763. I'm sure it is not Abraham or Adam. The architecture is extreme with a thin wrist and wide butt. The wrist is ellipticcal in the cross section; a detail used in this area and to the east in Lehigh County. Tight scrolled engraving with parrallel gougework is seen in Peter's work and appears on this example

The barrel is 44 inches long, its original length and about .60 cal. The lock is unaltered (original flintlock condition) with an unusual adjustment screw in the tumbler. The lock is unquestionably original to the rifle and possibly locally made. The patchbox design is common in Berks County and has nice but light engraving. The carving behind the cheekpiece is quite recognizable as Angstat and is intricate. Some minor replacements along the forestock and above the lock plate which appears to be all the restoration present.

Buttstock thickness on Reading and other Berks County rifles doesn't always denote an early period but when combined with other early details, like the early flintlock, the large bore, and vent pick staples you can be assured it is early. The pleasing architecture, glorious finish, unaltered flintlock, originality, and lack of major restoration on the rifle makes this a desireable example.

Available at $9,950.00