January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This diminutive rifle was discovered in a house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia between 40 and 50 years ago. This rifle was made by Jacob Kuntz after he moved to Philadelphia in 1811. This is one of the most graceful, petite, and elegant scaled down rifles of this period that are known. The petite two stage barrel is separated by a hand filed band and is fitted with a brass teardrop front sight and notched rear sight. The unmarked flat lockplate is decorated with stiffleaf design at the tail. The brass furniture has been scaled down to proportions and includes a four piece brass patchbox, typical of those seen on other Kuntz rifles, it is engraved with a large 'C' scroll and other foliate and floral scrolls. The finial is composed of 'C' scrolls and two hands with five fingers. There is a pierced toeplate engraved with scrolls and a two piece pierced sideplate of the classic Kuntz style. There is a small oval shaped silver wrist escutcheon with an engraved border and vacant inscription behind the barrel tang. Above the cheekpiece there is a detailed inlay of a pierced eagle with detailed engraving. The fine, slender stock is of figured maple and of classic Lehigh County form. It features a diamond section checkered wrist, a molded relief cheekpiece, and an incised Fleur-de-Lis carving around the ramrod entry ferrule. Rifle is complete with its original wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a light brown patina with some darker spotting. Lock is replaced and in its original flintlock configuration. There is a 1/8" gap between the lock and the barrel. Barrel shows evidence of once having a bolster. Brass retains a mellowing patina with mostly sharp engraving. Stock retains a later finish with traces of original red violin finish in protected areas. There is a crack or a break, which was repaired, just in front of the ramrod entry ferrule. There are some losses behind the cock and minor chipping around the barrel tang. Relief barrel tang carving shows some wear. A very slender and attractive rifle.
Caliber/Bore
.41 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Rifle