Help in dating a Hawken style rifle

[Randy1944]

I have owned since 1972 a very old and fairly well used 50 caliber Hawken style rifle. Where do I start in identifing its age and maybe maker? It is half stock tiger maple with a backspring lock and a hooked barrel. It has iron hardware, with a silver patch box. There are no markings on any metal part. I have even taken gun apart and still no I.D. marks whatsoever. Barrel size is 1 3/16's and 34" long. Many years ago I bought a number of old muzzleloading east Tennessee Mountain Rifles as well as this Hawken style rifle and I now would like to find out more information on these rifles. Any and all help is appreciated. Randy1944

 

[sniper68]

Go get yer camera. I'm sure all would like to see it and many will be more than glad to try and help ya out..

 

[musketman]

There are no markings on any metal part.

What about on the stock, some older guns have ID marks stamped onto the wood itself, although they were mostly military guns.

Are there any proof marks on the barrel to go by?

 

[Randy1944]

There are no markings on the metal or the wood, that I can find. I would send pictures, but I have no knowledge of how to do that. I did set up my account on Photo Bucket and I have a picture on Photo Bucket. My problem is that I have no idea of how to get it to this site. Thanks for any detailed help. Randy1944

 

[Walks Alone]

Follow this link Randy and it will help you post your PhotoBucket pioctures on this site.

Posting PhotoBucket pictures here.

 

[musketman]

I did set up my account on Photo Bucket and I have a picture on Photo Bucket. My problem is that I have no idea of how to get it to this site. Thanks for any detailed help. Randy1944

I found your Photobucket album and the picture of your gun, here it is everyone... (I copied it over to my account for the duration)

Randy1944's Hawken Style Rifle

 

[torn moc]

WOW ! Plus a 1 3/16ths barrel! is it a over the log type gun? sure is sweet lookin !

 

[Many Klatch]

Looks like an Ohio gun from the 1850's. That buttstock was never meant to be shot off of a bench or laying down so it was definitely an off hand gun. You don't say what caliber it is but I'll bet it is heavy no matter what size hole is in the barrel.

Many Klatch

 

[Randy1944]

Musketman, Thank you very much for getting my picture on this site. It is h--- being old and stupid at the same time. I still do know know how to get my pictures to this site. I appreciate your help and I look forward to many helpful conversations on this forum. Randy1944

 

[paulvallandigham]

At the top of the index page to this forum, you will find clear instructions on how to put pictures on this forum. Check them out. If you have questions, just ask. Claude has worked hard to make this site "friendly " to all us old guys who look at our computers as " monsters"! :grin: :rotf: :thumbsup:

 

[musketman]

Musketman, Thank you very much for getting my picture on this site.

That's why I get the big bucks. :thumbsup: :rotf:

That trigger guard looks a lot like a T/C Hawken style, just a minor difference at the very end of it.

 

[Russ T Frizzen]

Musketman, Thank you very much for getting my picture on this site. It is h--- being old and stupid at the same time. I still do know know how to get my pictures to this site. I appreciate your help and I look forward to many helpful conversations on this forum. Randy1944

Hi Randy, welcome to the Forum. Your rifle does look a bit like an Ohio rifle and the heavy barrel could be for target use. The .50 caliber bore could also mean it was meant to be carried ahorseback on the plains or further west. In any case it's a fine old gun and you can be proud to own it! Dan

 

[Randy1944]

Thanks to everyone for your help on my Hawken look alike rifle. It is a great piece, with numerous "character" marks. As I said, I bought it in 1972 and it has been in storage most of the time since. I am now trying to gather information on it as well as some Tennessee mountain rifles (muzzleloaders). I knew that with no marks, it was a long shot, but I had hopes. I am very glad that I was able to purchase my guns when I did and now that I am retired, I can enjoy them as I intended. More later, Regards, Randy1944

 

[Mulebrain]

Thanks for bringing it out of the shadows for us to see! Got any more pics??

Looks to be well made, and taken care of.

MB