William Shreckengost (1821-1894) is part of the extended line of Schreckengost family gunmakers and is by most accounts the most well-known of the clan. He lived in Putneyville, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, and built elaborate rifles complete with extensive engraving and plate accents. This ornate rifle has "W. Schreckengosh" signed on top of the barrel between the prominent buckhorn style rear sight and the patent breech which has a large cleanout screw, a blade front sight, light scroll patterns visible on the lock, double set triggers, spurred trigger guard, and extensive engraving on the furniture including the ornate wear and stylish accent plates such as the nickel-silver forend wear plate, wrist plate, and cheek plate. The classic Schreckengost patch box opens towards the butt. The lock is secured by a screw through the plate and into the breech plate.