Theodore Hacker Martin (1895-1970) remains a highly respected gunmaker as one of the forefathers of contemporary long rifle building. The article "The Johnson City School of Gunsmithing" in the included copy of the March/April 2018 issue of Muzzleloader magazine discusses his importance. In continuing the long tradition of handcrafting traditional "Kentucky Rifles" and by training other gunmakers of the "Johnson City School," Martin helped keep the tradition of distinctively American muzzle loading alive that had been part of American culture since before the Revolution. This rifle is signed "HACKER MARTIN MADE FOR DONIS W. MARTIN" on a silver inlaid panel on the top of the barrel in the breech section (Donis was one of Martin's two sons) and has traditional blade and notch sights, a "HACKER MARTIN" stamped lock with border engraving and a dog and bird scene at the tail, adjustable double set triggers, crescent moon style plates along the forend, double set triggers, floral engraved brass trigger guard, engraved patch box with bird finial, bear hunting scene on the patch box lid, and pierced side plates; patriotic Columbian shield engraving on the side plate, engraved hunter's star on the cheek rest, floral engraved buttplate tang, engraved and pierced to plate, floral engraved silver inlay between the trigger guard and toe, and slight "Roman nose" butt prole on the lightly figured maple stock which has some scroll carving near the tip, a plain thumb plate, and double line molding on the shallow cheek rest.

Very fine as custom made with 60% of the antiqued appearing blue finish on the barrel, dark aged patina on the silver, strong case colors on the lock, some mild oxidation, mostly bright German silver accents, aged patina on the brass, crisp engraving and markings, minor dings and scratches, a dark patch on the forend where there is a minor repair, and generally mild wear. Mechanically fine.