January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This rifle comes with an engraved sterling silver hang tag inscribed "Kentucky Rifle Assn / 1984 / Best Non-Carved Rifle". At the time, owner was listed as Jim Lucie. For a similar example but without the silver inlays and piercings see rifle number 67 in "The Kentucky Rifle" by Merrill Lindsay. Nicholas Hawk was born in Gilber, Northampton County, Pennsylvania in 1782. Nicholas Hawk was an excellent engraver and used innovative technology and styles of decoration. He died in his hometown in 1844. His original shop still stands and has been recently moved to the Jacobsburg Historical Society property for preservation. The twin rifled octagonal barrels are separated on each side by a brass rib attached with brass barrel keys, and a ramrod is mounted on one side. Both ribs are decorated with shaded, engraved designs. Both barrels have iron rear sights and brass front sights. One barrel has a shaped brass inlaid plaque inscribed "Nicholas Hawk" and is decorated with other designs. Each side features a pan and frizzen at the breech and the swiveling mechanism is activated by pulling back on the entire trigger guard, which releases the barrels. There is a single cock and lockplate on the right side, features a molding towards the tail. The sliding trigger guard is faceted and of brass, and the rifle has an engraved toeplate extending all the way into the rear tang of the trigger guard. There is a brass engraved sideplate opposite the lock which mirrors the shape of the lockplate. There is an ornately engraved four piece brass patchbox with silver inlays in each of the piercings. The left side of the buttstock features a large inlaid brass and silver 'C' scroll, ornately engraved with shading and designs. There is a pierced floral design inlaid in silver above the cheekpiece and a brass pickholder beneath the cheekpiece. There is an engraved silver oval wrist escutcheon with vacant inscription. The highly figured maple buttstock is in the classic Northampton County form. Complete with its probably original wooden ramrod with brass tips at both ends. CONDITION: Barrels retain a brown patina and signature plate shows some minor wear. Brass ribs are excellent and retain a mellow mustard patina. Locks appear to be in their original flintlock configuration and show some scattered freckling overall and grey patina. Action and swivel breech are crisp and function well. Brass and silver retain a mellow patina. Stock shows some scattered marks and minor age cracks with one small piece replaced between the lockplate and barrel tang. Stock retains a later coat of finish. An extremely ornate swivel breech rifle that is the finest known example by Nicholas Hawk.
Manufacturer
Nicholas Hawk
Model
Flintlock Swivel Breech