This rifle is marked "J.P. GEMMER. ST. LOUIS" behind the rear sight. It was built using a "G. GOULCHER" marked percussion lock. Goulcher was a 19th century lock maker whose locks appear on rifles produced throughout the U.S. in that period. J.P. Gemmer took control of the famous Sam Hawken firm in St. Louis in 1860. According to the information available from the current Hawken Shop, Gemmer continued to produce Hawken's distinctive plains rifles for many years along with many customized military and sporting rifles from other makers. The consignor indicates this rifle was purchased from noted American Arms Society member Frank Sellers approximately twenty plus years ago. The rifle has a dovetailed blade front sight and a very unique diamond shaped high profile buckhorn rear sight. The lock and hammer have some scroll patterns as is commonly seen on Goulcher locks. The rifle is also equipped with double set triggers. It is fitted with a traditional Hawken's style half stock with a pewter forend cap and rifle buttplate. "H H" is carved on the bottom of the stock behind the trigger guard.

Good. The rifle has a mottled brown patina with patches of oxidation and pitting. The stock is fine and has a dark aged patina on most of the length and a lighter tone on the forend. There are a couple of cracks between the lock and trigger guard as well as at the breech on the left and some minor scrapes and chips throughout. The stock has the commonly seen wear above the hammer at the breech. The lock and set triggers function fine, and the markings and designs are legible. This is a classic example of the mid-19th century plains rifle originating from Sam Hawken's shop after ownership transferred to J.P. Gemmer who himself earned a reputation for fine arms.