History freak offers some N. Hawk trivia. First, Hawk's work is unique, influenced obviously by the Lehigh/Easton trends, but, being up in the Poconos, he was a bit removed from the center of any school. As most of you know, the Hawk gunshop is now located on the Jacobsburg grounds. Moved piece by piece and reassembled correctly so that all can now see it. It isn't big, but then again, some of ours are not that large, either.
As you can see by Bill's photos, Nicholas was an accomplished and graceful engraver. He applied his engraving talents in other manners, also. Seems that he spent some spare time working on a set of engraving plates for $20 bills. Lord knows how many he circulated before U.S. Treasury agents caught on and "busted" the gunsmith turned printer. He did spend a few years in the hoosegow, then quietly returned home and resumed the rifle building business. This story has been vetted by direct descendants.
Anyone who has an original Hawk today is fortunate, indeed. As you can see, he did neat work. Bill did him justice, consistent with his standard quality.