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Here is Ron Gabel's answer to question number 5587

Question:

What are the characteristics and marking of a Hawken rifle and how to identify tiger stripe curly maple stock?

Answer:

Of the Plains Rifles known to have been used by mountain men, those made by Hawken are especially well represented in collections. Jacob Hawken established himself in 1820 at St. Louis, where his brother Samuel later joined him in partnership. Their rifles became famous throughout the west and have been copied throughout the years. They must be authenticated, in person, by an expert. Curly maple wood displays a "tiger stripe" curl in the grain of the wood consisting of alternating dark and light stripes when stained. There is a collection of Hawken rifles on display at the Cody Museum in Wyoming.

Submitted By: Chris Moyer On: 1/13/2004 7:31:52 PM