GUN FALL 2016
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016.
EXCEPTIONAL PETER KUNTZ FLINTLOCK ENGRAVED KENTUCKY RIFLE. KUNTZ KENTUCKY NSN 45 Cal. 45. This beautifully preserved Kentucky rifle has a 43-1/2" full oct smooth bore cal 45 bbl. Although unsigned the rifle is unquestionably the product of the Lehigh County gunsmith Peter Kuntz. The orig flint London Warranted lock has a roller frizzen. Peter Kuntz was the brother of Jacob Kuntz, two of Eastern Pennsylvania's most famous gunsmiths. The 4-pc patchbox is magnificently engraved featuring an English Bull Mastiff barking at a bird perched atop a tree. The patchbox finial design depicts a fully plumed eagle resting on a Nautilus shell along with one piercing where wood is exposed, true Americana in form. The brass cheekpiece inlay is in the form of a rising sun with a lunette shape above it forming a natural piercing. The engraving on the rifle's patchbox, cheek inlay, thumbpiece inlay, toe plate and side plate approach the quality of engraving of his more famous brother whose work is on display in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is an exceptional quality early 19th century rifle that demonstrates the high quality of skill exhibited by Eastern Pennsylvania's Kuntz family of gunsmiths. This rifle was awarded the silver medal for "Best Non-Carved Rifle" at the 2003 Kentucky Rifle Show. You will not find a higher condition Kentucky rifle that has survived for nearly 2 centuries in such remarkable condition. PROVENANCE: Ex-Steve Hench Collection. CONDITION: Bbl retains most of its orig thinning brown finish with pitting around breech. Lock is in matching condition to bbl with pitting in central section where gun was fired; protected areas still show orig bright finish. Brass mounts retain a mix of smooth mustard colored patinas with crisp engraving, well fit into beautifully grained maple stock which retains most of its orig varnished finish. This rifle is practically in work bench condition showing only minor handling marks from nearly two centuries of careful handling. 50412-80 JS (20,000-30,000)