FINE LEHIGH COUNTY LADY'S RIFLE ATTRIBUTED TO JACOB KUNTZ
This diminutive rifle was discovered in a house in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia between 40 and 50 years ago. This rifle was made by Jacob Kuntz after he moved to Philadelphia in 1811. This is one of the most graceful, petite, and elegant scaled down rifles of this period that are known. The petite two stage barrel is separated by a hand filed band and is fitted with a brass teardrop front sight and notched rear sight. The unmarked flat lockplate is decorated with stiffleaf design at the tail. The brass furniture has been scaled down to proportions and includes a four piece brass patchbox, typical of those seen on other Kuntz rifles, it is engraved with a large 'C' scroll and other foliate and floral scrolls. The finial is composed of 'C' scrolls and two hands with five fingers. There is a pierced toeplate engraved with scrolls and a two piece pierced sideplate of the classic Kuntz style. There is a small oval shaped silver wrist escutcheon with an engraved border and vacant inscription behind the barrel tang. Above the cheekpiece there is a detailed inlay of a pierced eagle with detailed engraving. The fine, slender stock is of figured maple and of classic Lehigh County form. It features a diamond section checkered wrist, a molded relief cheekpiece, and an incised Fleur-de-Lis carving around the ramrod entry ferrule. Rifle is complete with its original wooden ramrod.
CONDITION: Barrel retains a light brown patina with some darker spotting. Lock is replaced and in its original flintlock configuration. There is a 1/8" gap between the lock and the barrel. Barrel shows evidence of once having a bolster. Brass retains a mellowing patina with mostly sharp engraving. Stock retains a later finish with traces of original red violin finish in protected areas. There is a crack or a break, which was repaired, just in front of the ramrod entry ferrule. There are some losses behind the cock and minor chipping around the barrel tang. Relief barrel tang carving shows some wear. A very slender and attractive rifle.
Barrel Length: 45 - 1/8"
Caliber/Bore: .41 Smoothbore
FFL Status: Antique
Manufacturer: Jacob Kuntz
Minimum Bid: $2,000
Current Bid: $2,000
Estimate: $4,000 - $8,000
EXCEPTIONAL AND RARE ENGRAVED HAVANA MAP POWDER HORN DATED JULY 7TH, 1763 AND DECORATED WITH POLYCHROME COLORS
This powder horn is featured on a two page spread on pages 86 and 87 of "Engraved Powder Horns of the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War Era" by Nathan L. Swayze. Havana map horns are extremely rare and only a handful are known to exist. This professionally engraved powder horn measures 16 - 1/2" overall and has a curved body. It is interesting to note that it is a left handed powder horn. The horn depicts a professionally engraved plan of havana, including "Mooro" (Moro Castle), Shepards Battery, New Store, Regluger, Ponto, North Port, and Fuza. Polychrome red is used in addition to black pigment. Three warships are also shown and labeled as "THE SPAINISH ADMIRAL, RIPPIN and VALLIENT". The horn has a large lobe at the plug end as well as a scalloped edge at the recessed section and two scalloped rings on the two stage spout section, one section is faceted. In the 18th century, Havana was the center of the Spanish trade in North America. During the French & Indian War, England declared war on Spain as they were allies with the French. After a forty day siege on Havana, Moro Castle was taken on July 30th 1762 and Havana was surrendered on August 14th. The main inscription over the city of Havana reads "THE CITY OF HAVANA ILLUMINATED AT THE EMBARKATION/ OF THE BRITISH TROOPS JULY THE 7TH 1763". On the reverse side the original name cartouche was removed during the period and the name "JAMES/ HOBEL" and the date "1767" were applied. It is possible that Hobel was a member of the British army during the occupation of Cuba and Florida according to Swayze. When the horn was photographed for the book, it was in the author's collection. The powder horn is also engraved with flora motifs, flags, forts, and a bird.
CONDITION: Horn retains a light yellow dry surface and has not been cleaned or lacquered. The polychrome colors are bright and there is some minor chipping around the tip of the spout. On the back of the horn there are some minor cracks around the base, with one sliver professionally replaced and well matched. Flat wooden plug possibly replaced. Another example by this maker is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A very important and attractive French & Indian War powder horn.
PROVENANCE: Ex. Nathan L. Swayze Collection. Joe Kindig Antiques. William H. Guthman.
CORRECTION: It is generally accepted that the carver of the 3 or 4 known horns of this particular style were carved by Peter Robertson, a Corporal in the 9th British Regiment out of St. Augustine, Florida. It is assumed he was at the Battle of Havana 1762-63.
PROVENANCE: 2014 - Joe Kindig III, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 2008 - Patrick Hornberger, Trappe, Maryland 1994 - Waldo Hutchins, Glen Head, ong Island - William Guthman, Westport, Connecticut 1973 (Around)- William Goodwin Renwick estate, Tucson, Arizona
Minimum Bid: $15,000
Estimate: $30,000 - $60,000
WALNUT PENNSYLVANIA HANGING CUPBOARD. PROBABLY LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA. CIRCA 1750
A rectangular hanging cupboard with a central double-raised panel door. The thumb molded edge is flanked by vertical surface moldings over a boldly executed scalloped skirt. The ends terminate in cut-out scallops, supporting a recessed shelf with a thumb molded edge. The hinges are of rare rat tail and butterfly form.
CONDITION: Cornice molding replaced and later paint removed.
PROVENANCE: Joe Kindig Antiques.
Item Dimensions: 37 - 1/8" x 28 - 3/4" x 14 - 3/4".
Minimum Bid: $500
Estimate: $1,000 - $3,000
LOT OF 2 LINEN AND COTTON SHOW TOWELS
Lot consists of two linen and cotton show towels. The first is a well executed show towel with a homespun linen ground in plain weave with typical Pennsylvania German designs and inscribed with the maker's name and date - "Ann Eby 1832" - in red cotton thread in cross stitch. The crocheted lace bottom panel again with typical design motifs and with a bottom fringe. The second is an early 19th century show towel that has a crocheted lace panel at the top with vases of flowers done in blue, white and red cross stitch, the design elements typical of the Pennsylvania Germans. All on a plain linen ground with additional cross stitch and crocheted panels with additional designs. The bottom and top with fringe borders.
CONDITION: Nice condition.
Item Dimensions: Larger: 19" x 62".
Minimum Bid: $150.00
Estimate: $300 - $600
1832
Photos and items from Morphy Auctions here. Auction is January 16, 2020.
