This early 19th century swivel breech or "wender" rifle and a few other similar examples have been variously attributed to Adam Angstadt I (1740-1812) or his son Abraham Angstadt (1784-1868). Bill Patton identified this rifle as by Abraham Angstadt, and it was featured in the Historical Society of York County Museum's expo. It was also previously photographed and discussed in "The Associated Bethlehem School" section of "The Kentucky Rifle" by Merrill Lindsay where it is attributed to Adam Angstadt. A single barrel American long rifle signed "AA" attributed to Adam Angstadt is featured in Kindig's classic "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in Its Golden Age." The "AA" signatures on both of the barrels are very similar to the "A" markings on examples signed "A Angstadt." Both barrels are rifled and have blade and notch sights. The back action lock is unmarked. A ramrod is fitted in brass pipes along one side of the barrel group, and the other forend panel has silver escutcheons. The oval wrist escutcheon, a tear drop inlay on the comb, and the distinctive eagle inlay on the cheekpiece are also silver. The other furniture is brass. The buttstock has a four-piece patchbox with a pierced finial and nice engraving, a 5 1/2 inch long toeplate with decorative finial, an engraved edgeplate on the cheekpiece, a crescent buttplate with faceted tang, triangular panels of checkering behind the flats, incised molding along the bottom, and elaborate relief scroll carving ahead of and behind the cheekpiece. A ball worm and a tow worm are in the patchbox. Provenance: The Don Vaughn Collection; The Bruce Moyer Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine original flintlock configuration with smooth gray and brown patina on the barrel and lock, mild oxidation, enlarged vents, refaced frizzens, attractive aged patinas on the brass and silver, distinct signature and engraving, and general mild overall wear. The stock is also fine and has beautiful flame figure throughout, a vertical crack in one forend panel, a few smaller hairline cracks, crisp carving, and fairly minor wear overall for an American flintlock rifle. Mechanically functions although the lock does not hold at half-cock.