September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
Jacob Kuntz (1780-1876), brother of Peter Kuntz, was born in the Lehigh Valley, learned the trade in Allentown, and was taxed as a gunsmith in nearby Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, in 1807. He moved to Philadelphia in 1811, where he became noted as a fine maker of flintlock rifles and pistols. In 1989, Joe Kindig III stated "Jacob Kuntz is certainly in a class by himself," illustrating the high regard in which his work is viewed today. Other similar examples are in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Winterthur. The 2-stage barrel features an applied round brass front and an iron notched rear sight. The lockplate has some engraving and a step at the tail, center marked with partially visible "ASHMORE / WARRANTED". Although this rifle was made while Kuntz was in Philadelphia, it shows a number of Lehigh characteristics, including a stepped wrist, a short relief cheekpiece, a Lehigh profile to the buttstock, and a triangular-shaped forestock. The 2-piece pierced brass patchbox incorporates large folk art and fraktur like "J K" for "Jacob Kunz". The classic Kuntz finial features engraved floral designs and date "1830" vertically above the hinge. Classic Lehigh County trigger guard, with a lug in front of the bow. Unusual sheet brass sideplate with engraved border and sunburst around the rear lock screw. The partially figured tiger maple stock shows classic Lehigh County form and features carving around barrel tang. CONDITION: Barrel retains a pleasing spotted brown patina. Lock is a good professional reconversion and has a pleasing brown patina. Stock shows some scattered marks from use and one minor 1/4" by 5 - 1/4" silver replaced above foremost ramrod ferrule. A rare dated and very pleasing rifle by a renowned maker.