North America, United States, Missouri, St. Louis, ca. 1815 to 1858 CE. A lovely example of the highly popular Hawken rifle made of walnut wood, steel, and brass components; this gun truly came to symbolize the American frontier. This is a hefty weapon with a half stock and thick octagonal .50 caliber barrel. A brass tipped wooden ramrod fits into a housing and guide under the barrel. The top of the barrel is engraved "S - HAWKEN" for the maker Samuel Hawken. The lock plate is stamped with "BISHOP / WARRANTED," indicating this was likely an English percussion conversion. The double set triggers are protected within a large brass guard. A circular lidded patch box and butt cap is set into the backstock, along with a rectangular plate that is engraved with perhaps the owner's name; "TANNER." This gun became very popular amongst the trappers and traders exploring the western parts of North America, earning the nicknames: "Rocky Mountain" or "plains" rifle. Size: 40.75" L x 4" W (103.5 cm x 10.2 cm); bore: 0.5" W (1.3 cm)
Provenance: private J. P. collection, Rye, Colorado, USA; ex-Bill Buffinger collection, Hollywood, California, USA, before 2000
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#166203
Condition
Hammer articulates, but does not stay locked, and triggers move but are stiff. Losses to wood around lock plate. Stable pressure fissures to wood on stock. Surface wear and scratches as expected with use and age. All markings are clear and legible. Gun has not been tested for firing functionality.