American Longrifle

Nicholas Hawk

ca. 1820–30 · Steel, wood (curly maple, ash), brass, silver · Arms and Armor

Although unsigned, this rifle can be identified as the work of Nicholas Hawk, a gunsmith active in the eastern part of Northampton (later Monroe) County. Less elaborate than some rifles made by Hawk, it still displays the chief hallmarks of his individual style, including a long and narrow patch box with a spiky head piece, simple but effective decorative engraving on the brass fittings, and the dramatically elongated contour of its slender gunstock, made of curly maple with dark diagonal striping on a light-brown background.

Artist

Nicholas Hawk

Date

ca. 1820–30

Medium

Steel, wood (curly maple, ash), brass, silver

Culture

American, Gilbert, Northampton County (now Monroe County), Pennsylvania

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of Marion Eppley, 1956