KENTUCKY RIFLES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Signed James Marker, Sharpsburg, Maryland ca 1835

James Marker was one of the famous Marker family of gunsmiths originally from Markers Delight in Maryland. The father Daniel Marker SR. moved to Sharpsburg and trained his sons. James was the only Marker that stayed in Sharpsburg all his life. This is an above average example of his work. They were all excellent engravers and marksmen advertising they would challange anyone in a shootng match. This example is in near perfect condition and all original with no restoration. The 42.5" rifled barrel is about .45 cal and signed beautiffuly in script. The maple stock has an unusual grain configuration and rather crudely finished.

The patchbox is the style used extensively by the Markers and is nicely engraved. Notice the turned front trigger; rather unusual for the area however, the John C Hawken rifle for sale on this website has a similarly turned front trigger. This detail is found in Huntingdon County rifles. It seems the younger generation of the Marker family were more concerned with sturdy construction but nicely engraved brass mounts, and accurately rifled barrels than nicely finished and high grade curly maple stocks. This example is very representative of James' work and the condition is excellent.

Available at $2,450.00

Signed John C Hawken, Hagerstown, Maryland ca 1840

This rifle was made by John Christian Hawken in the 1840's after he took over his brother William's shop on Jonathan Street in Hagerstown. John C. was born in 1793 and worked with Christian and William. Brothers Samuel and Jacob moved to St. Louis and became gunsmith legends there. This example is in nice old condition with old surfaces. The forestock is all original but was somewhat abused in the day showing much wear though now colored in. The fore stock shows nice molding; a family tradition. The rifled barrel is 40.5" and about .44 cal. It has never been rebreeched.

The patchbox is the style the Hawken's used but slightly less refined and with no engraving. The restored lid is attached with brass rivets as was common in that period. Restoration is minimal and all mounts, lock, and inlays are orginal to the rifle. This is a fine example of his work wich is quite rare. David Condon had a similar example wich was sold (at a much higher price).

Available at $4,485.00

Signed J Roop, Jacob Roop, Bellefonte, "Roopsburg", Centre County, PA ca1835

This is a late example of Jacob's work in Centre County not long before he moved to Indiana in the early 1840"s. Roop is known for a large variation in his designs especially after moving to Centre County. He had a large operation in "Roopsburg" as a gunsmith, miller, and brewmaster.

The rifle is in good condition having been re-breeched during it's period of use. "BELLEFONTE" is stamped at the breech however, because it was rebreeched the first 4 letters are gone. Though not as decorative as many of his Dauphin County rifles this has the silver oval cheekpiece inlay and thumbplate and brass cheekpiece plate. His patchbox is a bit more elaborate than other Bellefonte examples. The rifled barrel is 38.5" and about .58 cal. It's likely the rifle was carried west as the larger bore would indicate. Minor wood restoration at the toe.

$2,450.00