November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
William Hawken rifle from the famed Hawken family of gunsmiths. William Hawken was the brother that remained in the East while his two brothers Jacob and Samuel went west to St. Louis and began manufacturing the plains rifle that was their stock in trade for many years. William Hawken's shop in Hagerstown closed in 1840, and was taken over by John C. Hawken. William Hawken moved to Williamsport, Maryland, and established another gunsmithing business there. He died in 1885. This fine rifle features an octagonal rifled steel barrel signed "W. HAWKEN" on top flat, in block letters. Flat stamp engraved percussion lockplate marked "JOSH GOLCHER" in center, double set triggers. Brass furniture includes a four-piece engraved patchbox with classic pierced Maryland style finial. Silver oval-shaped inlay above cheekpiece, engraved with a detailed patriotic eagle. Full-length partially figured maple stock of Maryland form with carved name "J. COLBERT" left side of cheekpiece, two silver inlays on forearm. Wrist repaired during the period of use with two neatly inlaid copper bands retained by four screws in each, dark patina. Replaced wooden ramrod. Good to fair condition with dark patina on barrel and lock(possibly second lock), markings clear, some freckling around breech and bolster, scattered marks from use and period repairs. Brass is unpolished and shows some wear and scattered marks. Stock fair with about two feet professionally restored on each side, otherwise scattered marks from use and a splinter replaced beneath lockplate. Overall, a very attractive Maryland rifle by one of the famous Hawken gun makers.
Manufacturer
William Hawken