One of the last from the Golden Age | Lehigh Valley Jacob Kuntz Flintlock American Long Rifle

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.