Lot 97

Jacob Kuntz Attributed Golden Age Flintlock American Long Rifle

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Jacob Kuntz Attributed Golden Age Flintlock American Long Rifle

Estimate: $35,000 - $55,000

Starting Bid: $30,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Stunning Engraved, Carved, and Silver Inlaid Jacob Kuntz Attributed Smoothbore Golden Age Flintlock American Long Rifle The American long rifle, also popularly known as the Kentucky rifle, was the first truly American firearm. It was developed in the colonial era in Pennsylvania by German immigrant gunsmiths with clear influences from the short jaeger rifles of their homelands but adapted to conditions in the woods of North America. Early rifles were relatively plain but often included some carving. Some saw use by American riflemen throughout the American Revolution, and George Washington capitalized on British fear of American marksmen such as Morgan's Riflemen. After the Patriot victory in the American Revolutionary War, the Kentucky rifle flourished as a both a popular firearm and an art form. This golden age lasted up through the end of the flintlock era. Many rifles from the period feature refined engraving, carving, and inlays. Various regional "schools" developed distinctive styles. Among the most famous of gunmakers from this era was Jacob Kuntz. The Metropolitan Museum of Art notes that he "ranks among the most artistically accomplished and longest living American longrifle makers." Henry Bishop wrote: "We know Jacob Kuntz learned the mysteries of the gunsmith trade in the Lehigh Valley prior to 1800. No one is certain who his master was, however, based on his age it is likely he ended his apprenticeship on or about 1797 or 1798. We do know he moved to Philadelphia and established his shop around 1811. His engraving skills are superb and, when inclined, his carving expertise matches that of his engraving." Though unsigned, Bishop pointed out several of Kuntz's "signature characteristics" on this rifle, including the complex basket weave carving on the wrist, the double line molding along the underside of the buttstock, the carving at the ramrod entry pipe, the raised platform for the barrel tang, the faint "chicken scratching" patterns on the ramrod pipes, other double line accents such as those flanking the notch rear sight, and the arrow head finial on the side plate. The smoothbore barrel has a dovetailed brass blade front sight, dovetailed notch rear sight flanked by double lines, and index line at the breech. The "LONDON/WARRANTED" marked lock has light floral engraving. The gun has a plain single trigger. The brass mounts are highly detailed throughout, especially the four-piece patch box which features a piercing on each side plate and the finial and fine scroll engraving. The silver oval wrist escutcheon is inscribed with the initials "CW", and the silver hunter's star cheekpiece inlay is also engraved. The buttplate features a narrow heel extension that is inlaid into the heel with a small amount of rounded wood at the top on each side. The short toe plate has scroll, border, and crosshatch engraving.

Manufacturer: American

Model: Flintlock

BBL: 42 inch octagon

Stock: curly maple

Gauge: 45

Finish: brown/brass/silver

Serial NumberNSN

Class: Antique

  • Provenance: The William "Pete" Harvey Collection; The Jack Plunket Collection; The Henry Bishop Collection
  • Condition: Exceptionally fine overall with crisp engraving and incised carving, attractively aged patina on the brass mounts, dark aged patina on the silver inlays, gray and brown patina on the lock and barrel along with mild pitting, general minor scratches and dings in the untouched original metal and wood, a few slight flakes at the nose of the lock, a thin cracks on the left at the front barrel pin, and very minor overall wear for a Kentucky rifle. Mechanically functions. Overall, this is an exceptional example of Jacob Kuntz's renowned work.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000