Nicholas Hawk 1782-1844
Barrel 40 in. long, .46 cal rifles, slightly swamped. .88 in. at the
breech, .85 at the small, and .87 at the muzzle.
Barrel tang 2 5/8 in. long.
Upper pipe 2 in. long.
Patchbox lid is 3 3/4 in. to the center of the hinge. The head is 4 1/16
in. The lid is 15/16 in. wide.
Buttplate is 4 3/16 in. high and 1 9/32 in. wide.
The cheekpiece is polished bone and is glued in place with a very slight
dovetail into the wood.
Note:
Rifle was damaged in several places, not far in front of the
patchbox, and a couple of places in the forestock. The last third of the
comb plate has been replaced because of the break. I think the nosecap is
replaced (to good to be true) but the rest of the forestock and stock,
inlays and wedges to be original... (Owner)
Comments:
A very nice Nicholas Hawk rifle; definitely Library material. The ribband with signature on the top barrel flat is especially nice, as are the inlays. This gun appears to have been one of Hawk's fancier pieces in that it has more silver inlays than usually seen and it has nice wood. Of some interest is the silver oval under the triggerguard bow; does it cover a crack, or is it purely decorative. This gun looks to be in 'as found' condition and that is part of its appeal; but, a good hickory ramrod would improve it.
Interesting faceted, 16 sided, nose cap. Hawk did this on the forward part of some of his barrels as well.
No doubt this rifle has had a long useful life, broken and repaired, and used some more.
This rifle is a wonderful example of Nicholas Hawk's work. It would seem that Mr. Hawk and members of the Young family had a style and a sub school all of their own. What ever might be lacking in the way of carving is so much more than made up for in architecture and metal work. Grand rifle by a scarce maker in a very pleasing over all condition.
I think this is an acceptable example of a Hawk, but feel it has been significantly restored. It has two odd butt breaks, almost straight across, in the wrist area, one running up from the silver inlay on bottom side of wrist, and the other further back which is more visible on either side of gun. There are a couple of areas of wood where strong curl is apparent, such as at muzzle, on one side of wood under side facings, possibly at bottom of wrist in space between breaks, that doesn't seem consistent with other faded curl in stock. I again wish we could see a closer shot of the lock and side facing.
