This rifle is described by Bowers, on page 153 of “Gunsmiths of Pen-Mar-VA 1790-1840”. As follows, “This writer has seen just one example of Hiram Clark’s work. His name was in script on top of the barrel. There were about a dozen silver inlays, Bedford style, a fine oval eagle cheek inlay, and an elaborately pierced side plate. The patchbox had a full wingspread eagle finial and lid engraving is done in a neat floral pattern, in the center which was set an oval of tortoise shell. It was a fullstock, octagonal 40 1/2 inch barrel, with a Golcher percussion lock."
Bowers left out that the barrel is swamped.
From old records, we know that Hiram Clark at 15 years old was indentured to George Rizer gunsmith in Cumberland Maryland in 1807, until 1814 when Clark was 21.
There is another signed Hiram Clark rifle on pages 83 & 84 in the old gray-covered “Maryland Longrifles”
Thought you might enjoy seeing this rifle & we would like to find out any information if there is any more signed pieces of his work and exactly where he did his work & when & where he died.
