Hawken Rifles are an American icon. This is one magnificent Collectors Rifle, and an OUTSTANDING example of one of the most famous of American Firearms. It is the nicest Hawken Rifle that I have ever owned and offered for sale. Untouched and 100% original with the exception of a repair to the face of the hammer, it is a full-stock Mountain Rifle made specifically for the heavy use of gaming Buffalo, large Bear and anyone that tried to inhibit the effort. This is not the usual half-stock Hawken that most of us are familiar with and see for sale at auction once or twice a year, but a massive full-stock of .56 caliber with a 36" barrel and 16 & 1/2" pull. When I laid eyes on it, I thought its weight would be much more than it was. The barrel, and even the stock itself is extremely thick but the larger bore size lightens the barrel considerably compared to others I have owned or handled and it is suprisingly easy to wield. The gun is nearly perfect in all respects showing little use. The condition of the wood is such that no one could ask or want of better condition, color or texture. All metal parts are an untouched patina and the form of the gun is perfect to include the Hawken trademark scrolls of the triggerguard which protect the double-sets and what I unconditionally guarantee is its original cleaning rod with bone tip. The boldly struck Hawken address dates this gun to the 1850's. As even non-collectors know, the Hawken Rifle is the most famous of all arms used by the great Mountain Men of our Western Frontier. They were manufactured in the shop of Samuel and Jacob Hawken, who learned the craft of rifle-making from their father Christian Hawken of Maryland. An example of Christians work can be found in our Kentucky rifle section of this website. These guns became famous by being the rifle of choice by the likes of Joseph Meek, Jim Bridger, Kit Carson and others. The movie "Jeremiah Johnson" didn't hurt its reputation. Hands-down, one of my favorite items to ever be posted on this website.