Theodore Hacker Martin (1895-1970) was an airplane mechanic in World War I and learned to build guns the traditional Appalachian way from old timers in the 1920s. He is one of the 20th century craftsmen credited with keeping the tradition of hand built traditional American flintlock muzzle-loaders alive and was an inspiration for many of the artisans working today. Many of Martin's rifles are crafted entirely from hand made parts. This rifle is accompanied by a letter from Turner E. Kirkland, founder of Dixie Gun Works, indicating this rifle was previously owned by John Manning and was made for him by Hacker Martin c. 1948-1951. The rifle is also accompanied by additional information, including magazines featuring articles about Martin and his rifles. The barrel has traditional blade and notch sights and is stamped "HACKER MARTIN" on top. The lock is unmarked and is fired using double set triggers. The furniture is brass, and the rifle features nickel silver inlays along the stock; both feature wavy ling engraving, and the patchbox lid also has a running dog or fox. A vent pick is fitted under the cheekpiece. Provenance: The John Manning Collection; The Turner E. Kirkland Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Very good with minor overall wear. The stock is good and has some small chips and repaired cracks in the forend. Mechanically fine (set trigger first).