This is an original example of a highly sought after Hawken Plains Rifle that was made by Samuel Hawken between 1850 and 1861. This rare and desirable rifle is typical of the rugged, functional rifles made by Jacob and Samuel Hawken in St. Louis, Missouri for the fur trade from about 1840 - 1860. The top barrel flat is stamped with the "S. HAWKEN ST. LOUIS" marking used by Samuel Hawken after the death of his brother Jacob Hawken in 1849 until his retirement in 1861. The rifle has a heavy, 36-inch, .58 caliber, octagon barrel with an under-rib and iron ramrod thimbles and finial. The barrel has a 5 3/4 inch, tapered, iron tang attached to the stock with two screws and distinctive fenced bolster found on late Hawken rifles. The iron lock plate has no exterior or interior markings. The rifle has double set-triggers and is fitted with a simple, cast-iron, scroll trigger guard. The lock plate, hammer, tang and trigger guard are identical in configuration to the drawings shown on page 54-56 of "HAWKEN RIFLES" by John D. Baird. The rifle has a maple stock attached to the barrel by two wedges with oval iron escutcheons. The stock has a simple beavertail cheekpiece, cast iron forearm cap and a crescent iron buttplate. The barrel has a German silver, "Rocky Mountain" pattern, rear sight and fixed, iron, buckhorn rear sight. The rifle has a tiger striped wooden ramrod with brass tip and finial. The configuration of the rifle is very similar to that of the Hawken Rifle owned by Kit Carson and pictured on page 7 of "HAWKEN RIFLES".

Very good. The barrel and under-rib have a smooth, dark brown patina with sharp edges. The "S. HAWKEN ST. LOUIS" marking is crisp. The lock and hammer have some light flash pitting. The percussion nipple is a modern replacement. There is a old break in the left edge of the hammer. The hammer screw and lock screw are period replacements. The side plate is a period replacement. The iron forearm cap, tang, trigger guard and buttplate have the same dark, untouched, patina as the barrel and lock. The stock has been varnished during period of usage and remains in very good condition with moderate handling wear. This is an attractive and authentic example of a highly desireable and rare Hawken Plains Rifle made by Samuel Hawken in the late 1850s. Rock Island Auction Company is pleased to be able to offer this historic icon of the American Army collecting field.