May 28th 2011 Firearms (07)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2011
Overall length: 56 – ½”. Barrel length: 41 – ½”. This unsigned Kentucky rifle is attributed to Peter Kuntz, the brother of Philadelphia’s most renowned gunsmith – Jacob Kuntz. Both Peter and Jacob worked in the first half of the 19th Century. Peter Kuntz was an exceptionally fine engraver, and this patchbox certainly reflects this skill. The curly maple stock is slender and graceful and has a superb finish, which is undiminished from its time of making. As per usual, Peter Kuntz’s workmanship is always quite satisfying to the eye. The stock shows originality and excellent care and the full octagonal barrel has its crisp rifling intact; however, the lock has been poorly re-converted to flintlock and the quality of this rifle demands a better re-conversion.