Jacob Kuntz/Kunz (1780-1876) was born in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania and was trained in Allentown. He moved to Philadelphia in 1810 where he remained until his death. He is one of most talented American riflesmiths and easily one of the most admired. He is also known to have built pistols, air rifles, and other firearms. His engraving and small details are arguably on par with the finest makers in London in the same period. As the Kentucky Rifle Foundation notes, "Kuntz’s better rifles are viewed today as some of the finest representations of regional utilitarian art." Given this, it is no surprise that his work can be found in prestigious collections including that of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This rifle is pictured on page 105 of "Kentucky Rifles & Pistols, 1750-1850" by Johnston and identified as manufactured by Jacob Kunz c. 1830-1840 as a rifle. In the photograph the rear set trigger is missing, and Johnston lists it as .45 caliber with a 45 inch rifled barrel and 59 inch overall length. This data may in part be incorrect as the rifle is currently 59 1/2 inches from muzzle to heel and has a shorter 44 inch barrel bored out to .50 caliber smoothbore. It also now has both triggers. While in many ways a classic late flintlock piece from the 1820s-1840s, this gun has some of the smaller fine details that truly set Kunz guns apart from other gunmakers of the time period such the finely detailed scroll and floral engraving on the patch box, silver hunter's star cheekpiece inlay, silver ovoid wedge escutcheons, use of a piece of horn for the patch box release button on the toe, fine checkering on the wrist, and molding lines along the bottom of the butt. The barrel is marked "KUNZ PHILADA" behind the notch rear sight and has a crude "NY" marking and deeply stamped "A" on the lower left flat at the breech. The lock has "NOCK/WARRANTED" and engraving on the cock and tail. It also has a carved bone cheek piece ledge.

Very good as reconverted to flintlock configuration. The barrel has dark brown patina, tool marks and flash wear concentrated at the breech, and distinct markings. The lock has subtle case colors, lighter brown patina, minor oxidation, and legible markings. The brass has light aged patina, and the silver has dark aged patina; both have crisp engraving. The stock is good with a repaired crack at the third wedge, some slivers and small chips at the edges including under the lock, a few slight cracks, smooth re-oiled finish, smoothed but visible checkering, scattered small pressure marks and scratches, and beautiful flame figure. Mechanically fine (set trigger first). This is a beautiful, classic American firearm with immaculate engraving and silver accents by one of the finest of all makers of American long rifles and related arms.