May 28th 2011 Firearms (07)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2011
Overall length: 50". Barrel length: 33 - 1/2". An uncommon swivel breech, double-rifle made and signed "J. Kunz" on one barrel and "Philadelphia" on the other barrel. All of the iron parts are finely engraved and "blued" or "bright-polished" (barrels now have partial brown oxidation). The figured walnut stock has an excellent four-piece brass patchbox with five piercings, one being a "heart" in the finial, and, of course, all elements are finely engraved. Additionally, there is a brass toeplate running from the buttplate up to the spur of the trigger guard. The toeplate, beautifully engraved, has a one-half-inch piece missing at the very end of the toe. Uniquely, there is a "cap box" in the center of the toeplate. A silver engraved hunters star is inlaid on the small oval cheekpiece, while both the lock plate (signed "J. Kunz") and the side plate (signed "Phila.") are finely engraved as is the six inch barrel tang. The only flaws on this fine rifle are a three inch piece of walnut that has been replaced above the lock plate and one "burn" mark (3 - 1/2" x 2") between the cheekpiece and the buttplate. The brass full-panel barrel overlay is engraved "JN. Mc Farhand", undoubtedly the original owner. Jacob Kunz became one of Philadelphia's finest gunsmiths after moving from the Lehigh Valley. Overall, the condition of this fine piece is very good with the two exceptions aforementioned.