August 2009 (3)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/14/2009
Circa 1840 to 1850. OL: 50". BL: 34 - 3/4". TB: Octagonal. LM: Percussion. Original. PB: None. S: Curly Maple. 13 brass inlays. This signed "S. Hawken" curly maple half-stock is a wonderful example of a well-used Indian on trapper's trade gun. It has its original brass tack decoration. This "iconic" signed Plains rifle is a superb example that shows itself to have been a part of this nation's history. Of special note, the back-action lock is marked "Leman, Lancaster, Pa.". Henry Leman developed a major business in creating firearms and parts for the Great Westward movement. Normally this type of rifle is seen with a walnut or plain maple stock, but the curly maple stock is both tactile and pleasing. Only the two oval barrel keys escutcheons are missing, possibly removed by an Indian owner for other purposes, such as adding ornamentation to another item. This gun is in its untouched as-found condition and has not had any modern alterations or restoration.