Riflemakers List

Angstadt (Family)

School: Berks (Pennsylvania/PA)

The Angstadt family of gun makers is the dynasty of makers in Berks County. The family consisted of ten craftsmen who made complete rifles for over 100 years. Centered primarily in Maxatawny, Greenwich, and Long Swamp Townships and the Kutztown area the family consisted of:

Adam 1st. – 1740 -1812
Peter Angstadt 1st. – 1738 – 1782
Peter Angstadt II – 1763 -1815
Joseph Angstadt – 1765 – ?
Jacob Angstadt – 1783 -1843
Joseph Angstadt II – 1817 – 1872
Abraham Angstadt – 1784 – 1868
Peter Angstadt III – 1807 – 1870
Adam Angstadt II – 1821 – 1888

Although each of the Angstadt makers had their own style, similarities can be found and most Angstadt rifles are readily identified after some study. A common characteristic of their design could be defined as Pennsylvania “Dutchy”, with many of their guns as much folk art as firearm. Design motifs seen on some Angstadts have included unusual stars, flowers, lions and even hex signs, along with unique patch box designs.

Brooks, John

School: Lebanon/Dauphin (Pennsylvania/PA)

John Brooks, Jr., was taxed as a gunsmith from 1802 through 1817 in Harrisburg, the county seat of Dauphin County, PA. He built classic longrifles with Lancaster school overtones, consistent with the fact that he built guns in Lancaster city prior to moving to Harrisburg.

Melchoir, Nathaniel

School: Maryland

Baltimore Nathaniel Melchoir was born in Germany in 1808. He became a gunsmith in Baltimore by 1840. His wife’s name was Henriette. While he was making guns there were three other gunsmiths with the surname of Melchoir: Edward Melchoir, Harman Melchoir and Edward Melchoir. All worked during the 1860 period at different addresses. Nathaniel’s death was recorded on September 15, 1879. For further reference, see Arms Makers of Maryland. For additional information see Maryland Longrifles Hartzler/Whisker.