2387

OUTSTANDING JACOB KUNZ FLINTLOCK HALF STOCK RIFLE.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
OUTSTANDING JACOB KUNZ FLINTLOCK HALF STOCK RIFLE.
NSN. Cal. .50 rifled. This fine and unusual example of a Jacob Kunz flintlock half-stock rifle has a 43-1/2" full oct bbl marked “J. Kunz Phila.” Jacob Kunz is arguably Philadelphia’s most famous gunsmith with examples of his work on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Flintlock is marked “C. Bird Phila.” The 4-piece brass patchbox is profusely engraved in the Kunz style as is the 5-1/4" long brass toe plate with its pineapple finial and horn patchbox release. The stock is checkered at the wrist and is fastened to the bbl with two bbl wedges. Rifle has dbl set triggers. Jacob was born in the Lehigh Valley in 1780, and moved to Philadelphia in 1810 where he died in 1876. The Franklin Institute awarded Jacob a silver medal for his skill and ingenuity. In 1812, Jacob married Barbara Newhard who was the niece of the famous Lehigh County gunsmith Peter Newhard. Very few flintlock half stock rifles by this well-known and highly collectable maker have survived. PROVENANCE: Collection of Woody Frey. CONDITION: Rifle appears to be in fine condition throughout. 4-48490 RG8