February 24th & 25th 2012 General (02)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/24/2012
School: Philadelphia Region. Circa 1840 to 1860. Overall length: 52”. Caliber: .45. Barrel length: 37” (shortened). Octagonal barrel. Back-action percussion mechanism. Original. Four-piece patchbox. Curly maple stock. No carvings with two original silver inlays. Adam Kunz was the maker of this Kentucky Rifle and is so-signed; however, when the rifle’s barrel length was shortened during its period of use, the first two initials of Adam’s name were lost. Adam was part of the famous “Kunz” gunsmithing family, made famous by the master gunsmith Jacob Kunz, whose work in Philadelphia was renowned throughout the civilized world. The patchbox and toeplate on this rifle both reflect the quality found on Jacob’s works (or his shop) as the engraving is far superior to that normally found in the non-urban areas. Possibly, Adam was using elements acquired from his brother’s shop in Philadelphia, a not uncommon practice.