My great-great-great-grandfather, William Schreckengost, was a gunsmith in the mid-1800s. He raised a family in Western Pennsylvania and made distinctive long-rifles designed to shoot from the forearm (for accuracy) and sometimes outfitted with dual, over-under barrels. One of these beauties is still in the family after all these years, being passed down through the generations. Here are several shots of “the rifle”:
Scouring the internet produced records of some rich S(c)hreckengost history. Below is a snippet of what I found regarding the Shreck gunsmiths of PA:
It was also during this time, during the 1840s and 50s, when the most well-known Schreckengost family gunsmiths, descendents of Conrad, William (1821-1894), Levi, and Lincoln Schreckengost (1865-1949), started to create their particular firearms. William Schreckengost of Putneyville, Wayne Township, owned a general store/inn/gunshop along Mahoning Creek, although tax lists “consistently show him as a gunsmith.” His guns are frequently encountered. He was an unusually good engraver. He lived in Putneyville, Armstrong County, all his adult life. He married three times: to a Miss Nulph; to Pricilla Potts, mother of gunsmith Levi Schreckengost; and to Mary Heller. His tools, guns, and gun parts were sold at public vendue on 8 October 1894. A number of guns, ranging from a heavy barrel target model to a double barrel rifle (over-under) were offered.
The sons of William built distinctive and affordable rifles ($28) for the local population. They purchase their locks and imported German silver for inlay work from a Pittsburgh firm. The butt-stock design of the rifle is a “roman nose” pattern and was designed to be fired from the upper arms, and not the shoulder, for better accuracy. As was already noted above, William and Lincoln also built exotic guns such as “over-under” rifles, heavy target rifles, or short sporting rifles. All rifles build by William, Levi, and Lincoln Schreckengost were percussion cap.
I can’t even begin to guess what a rifle in this fine a condition would be worth… and as such this family treasure is kept in an undisclosed location. This rifle is in the family of rifles called Pennsylvania-Kentucky rifles, crafted in those and surrounding states by German settlers beginning in the 1700s. You can read more about these rifles here:
http://johno.myiglou.com/kyrifle.htm
http://patentpending.blogs.com/patent_pending_blog/2004/11/the_kentucky_ri.html
The Pennsylvania-Kentucky Rifle, by Henry Kauffman
I'm a Christ-follower, compelled by my faith toward reason, which points directly toward conservatism. This world's daily onslaught of lunacy offends my intellect and senses, so this is my venue to blow off steam.
That’s the one you said you hid in your underwear drawer, isn’t it?
I had to find a spot where nobody would ever want to go.
dat is one hell of gun, if it is sold in the next few hundred years it can be worth millions!!!!
Hi, I am a descendant of William Schreckengost through Levi Schreckengost. I’d be interested in any genealogical information you’d care to share and I’d love to see more pictures of that rifle. I have pictures of another Schreckengost rifle somewhere if you are interested. I don’t know much about antique rifles, but I heard of one Schreckengost rifle that sold at auction for $1200. Looking at your rifle I think that it has to be be worth worth more than that.
Greg
Howdy Cousin,
Nice to see you. Just stumbled across your website, we share similar interests. Family reunion time is here, I know of one in New Ken last Sunday of this month. I would like to attend a reunion and share my genealogy.
Schreck out
Always nice to hear from fellow Shreckengosts!!
Hello. I’m glad to find pictures of this rifle. I heard about it but wasn’t sure. William was the brother of my g Grandfather. Ralph
I too am of the Schrecengost lineage and found this site after searching for rifles made by our ancestors. This is the only picture that I can find of one. I’d love to have more info or see more pictures if there are any online. (My Grandmother was Bernice Schrecengost, daughter of Curtis)
I’m still tracing the “family tree” to see how we’re related to your side of the family. Feel free to contact me with any geneology info that you’re willing to share. There is some GREAT info on Schrecengosts out there – all the way back to the beginnings of the name in Germany!
Hi Sarah. I too had a daughter named Sarah. If you contact me by E-mail rws1950 at hotmail.com we can trade family info. I traced my line all the way back to Jeremias in 1639. Ralph
We are related, howdy cousin. I’d like to see some more pix of that rifle!
I’m also a descendant of Wm. Schreckengost and have one of his rifles. Looking to talk with others that also have them or know history. My email is suzkat11@penn.com
interesting reading about the rifle. I too am a Schrecengost . My Mother was Christina, her husband was William Vattimo. Christinas father was Samuel. If they have a reunion planned, would love to attend. Thanks, Bill Vattimo
Hi, I just returned home from my mother’s home. My Grandmother passed away in December and we were going through some of her old pictures and other family info. Found some info regarding the Schreckengost guns. We, too, are decendants of Levi Schreckengost. We would love to share your geneology info. Thanks!
Hi, I’ve been researching Schreckengost History for a couple months now and have a tremendous amount of information to share. Anyone interested in sharing info can contact me at suzkat11@penn.com. I have alot on the rifles including pictures of 20 or so and family photos, plus the cornerstone of Benjamin Schreckengosts Red Mill in Armstrong
County, PA. You can see some of my history on ancestry.com at Ken Watt Family Tree.
You’ve got some great pictures of a beautiful rifle. I’m guessing I’m also somewhere fairly close in the family tree, as well, since I’m a “Shreckengost” and grew up in Dayton, PA. My father, Dennis, can also be added to the long line of Shreckengost gunsmiths.