October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Samuel Hawken of St. Louis is arguably the most famous pre-Civil War rifle maker of the now famous half stock so called Hawken Rifle. He was so famous, in fact, that the halfstock rifles, regardless of maker, became known throughout the frontier as simply a Hawken rifle. Samuel had established his own enterprise in Xenia, Ohio, but after the death of his wife and father, he relocated to St. Louis, where he formed a fresh business, separate to that of Lakenan (his earlier partner) and his older brother Jacob. The Hawken brothers became partners, however, after Lakenan's death. Jacob Hawken died in 1849 and Samuel continued with the business on his own. In 1855, he retired and passed the shop to his son William, and William's business partner Tristram Campbell. Samuel Hawken died on May 9th, 1884, at the age of 92, in St. Louis. The top flat on the heavy octagon barrel on this rifle is simply stamped "S. Hawken St.Louis" which would indicate that this rifle was built after Jacob's death which dates it from 1849-1855. The rifle bears no other markings. It is a typical Hawken in all respects. Features include a 31 - 1/4" heavy octagon barrel. Actual bore measures approximately .50 caliber. Typical walnut halfstock with cheekpiece. Brass furniture includes trigger guard, nose cap, buttplate, and rear rod retainer. Triggers are double set. Sights are a wind drift rear and rocky mountain front blade. CONDITION: All iron parts a homogeneous soft patina. Legends are sharp as are edges. Set trigger is working. Rifling is sharp and clean. Stocks have darkened with age and has usual handling marks but free of cracks or chips. A very high condition and scarce original Hawken that would be hard to improve on as it is the best example we have ever seen or offered. A rifle that truly represents the early Westward Expansion. DB
Manufacturer
Samuel Hawkins
Model
Hawken Half Stock Rifle