xxHOLDxx KENTUCKY RIFLE Attributed to Jacob Kuntz

Great Kunz type kentucky rifle, circa 1810-1820. Many Lehigh County Pennsylvania features showing the influence of Jacob Kunz. The rifle measures 58 3/4 inches overall with a 42 1/4 inch octagon to round .50cal. bore. The cast brass mountings include a four piece engraved patchbox in typical Kunz design, beautifully engraved. The brass butt plate has a neatly engraved heal return. The brass triggerguard has the Lehigh studd where the trigger loop meets the forward strap. Faceted ramrod ferrules with the entry ferrule finial also being faceted.  The brass toeplate measures 3 1/4" with an simplistic, stylized trefoil finial.The cast brass sideplate is typical Lehigh design of triangular form, usually considered earlier than the engraved 2 piece type found on many Kunz rifles.  The full strong tiger maple stock has an old surface and features typical Kunz type incise carving of an elaborate fluer d'lais design around and behind the entry ferrule, plus there is the signature raised carved panel around the barrel tang. This, in times past, was considered a "signature carving" of Jacob Kunz. The forestock is flat paneled to the barrel channel with raised carved beauty lines running the length (typical Lehigh feature). The wrist exhibits skip-checkering often seen on high end Kunz rifles.**HOLD**

Condition:  Very Good. No major restoration. Original flintlock, but probably reconverted. There is a 1" x 1 1/2" restoration at the buttstock toe (see last several pics). A sliver restored at front ramrod ferrule (see last pic).