January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
Jacob Kuntz first worked in Northampton County, Pennsylvania before moving to Philadelphia in 1811, according to "Thoughts on the American Flintlock Pistol" by Sam Dyke. This pistol was probably made right when he moved to Philadelphia as he still spells his name "Kuntz" rather than "Kunz", which he uses later in his gunmaking career. Jacob Kuntz soon became one of Philadelphia's most prominent gunsmiths. This fine pistol has a two-stage smoothbore barrel with a detailed relief wedding band separating the sections. There is stiff-leaf engraving near the breech and "PHILADA" is engraved on the top flat in block letters. The lock is engraved with detailed borders and inscribed "Kuntz" in the center. The brass furniture includes a pierced two-piece sideplate engraved with detailed shading and scrolls. The triggerguard has a shaped and engraved floral finial and engraved with foliate scrolls on the bow. Pommel cap is engraved extensively with floral motifs. Brass nosecap and ramrod ferrules. There is a silver oval-shaped wrist escutcheon engraved with borders and flowers. Plain maple stock of classic Kuntz form with relief molding around barrel tang and incised borders along both sides of forend, grip with shaped panels of checkering. A well-made iron brace was added to the back of the grip during the period of use due to cracking of the grip. Complete with its original brass-tipped wooden ramrod. CONDITION: Barrel retains a heavy dark brown patina with crisp engraving. Lock is original and in its original flintlock configuration, retaining a dark patina matching the barrel, signature is clear and excellent. There is a crack in the neck of the cock. Brass shows very little use and retains a dark unpolished mustard patina, tang of entry ferrule is missing a small piece. Stock retains much of its original finish with some wear. Some repaired cracks to wrist and one small sliver replaced near trigger floorplate. A very nice example of Kuntz's fine work.
Caliber/Bore
.45 Smoothbore
Model
Flintlock Kentucky Pistol