This rifle is noted as purchased by Dave Hammert about 1989 at farm sale outside of Casstown, Ohio. The famous Hawken brothers of St. Louis were part a larger family of gunmakers. Their uncle Nicholas Hawken and his sons John and Daniel Turney Hawken were gunmakers in Ohio. In "The Hawken Dynasty (Part 1): Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and Missouri" by Nathan E. Bender, John is listed c. 1805-1846 and as working with his brother in Springfield c. 1835-1838 after their father's death, then Piqua in 1838, and then from 1842 on in Springfield. "They are best known for their full-stock percussion rifles..." The barrel has seven-groove rifling, "J Hawken" signed on top, and dovetailed blade and notch sights. The lock has some light engraving, full cock only, and is secured by a single cross screw. The rifle is equipped with single phase double set triggers and has brass furniture.

Very good overall with gray and brown patina and mild oxidation and pitting on the lock and barrel, aged patina on the brass furniture, and general mild overall wear. The stock is fine and has mild scrapes and dings, mostly dark finish with some worn areas showing lighter coloration, some minor chips and slivers absent at the edges, and fairly mild overall wear. Mechanically fine. This is a solid and attractive rifle from the Hawken family. Examples of John Hawken's work are hard to come by.