1995.0011 Flintlock Rifle
  • 1995.0011 Flintlock Rifle
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Rifle (Flintlock rifle)

  • Category:

    Weapons, Hunting, and Fishing

  • Creator (Role):

    Jacob Kuntz (Maker)

  • Place of Origin:

    Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

  • Date:

    1812-1815

  • Materials:

    Iron; Brass; Silver; Maple; Horn

  • Museum Object Number:

    1995.0011


  • Complete Details



Object Number

1995.0011

Object Name

Rifle (Flintlock rifle)

Category

Weapons, Hunting, and Fishing

Credit Line/Donor

Museum purchase

Creator (Role)

Jacob Kuntz (Maker)
1780-1876
Peter Kuntz (Brother, Gunsmith)

Place of Origin

Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America

Date

1812-1815

Mark or Signature or Inscription or Label

1. Signature; Barrel, top; "Jacob Kuntz" engraved
2. Inscription; Thumb plate on wrist; "JH" engraved

Materials

Iron; Brass; Silver; Maple; Horn

Dimensions (inches)

9.5 (H) , 59.75 (L) , 2 (W)

Dimensions (centimeters)

24.13 (H) , 151.77 (L) , 5.08 (W)

Object Description

Web - 10/24/2019

This rifle is an early example of the carved and inlay ornamented rifles created by Jacob Kuntz (Kunz). Its slender, light-weight, and thin-walled octagonal barrel measures just under fort-four inches in length, excluding the tang. The barrel is fifty caliber and smoothbore. The maple stock is extensively decorated with passages of raised carving accented by two small areas of incised carving. Several silver and brass components are engraved with rococo style motifs centered on American eagles, probably in response to the heightened patriotism resulting from the War of 1812. Similar eagles flank the maker's signature on the top three facets of the barrel, near the breech.

Jacob Kuntz established a long and productive career in Philadelphia, lasting more than fifty years. The quality, innovation, and artistry of his work led to renown and demand for his firearms in this country and abroad.

Bibliography and Bibliographic Notes

[Book] Fennimore, Donald L. 2004 Iron at Winterthur.
Published: pp. 204-207, cat. no. 98.