Signed Hiram Clark, Cumberland, MD ca 1815

Hiram Clark was born in 1793, apprenticed to George Rizer in 1807 and finished his apprenticeship in 1814. He worked in Cumberland then moved to Hancock, Maryland. His Brother was James Clark who also apprecticed with George Rizer in Cumberland.

This is one of the truly great western Maryland rifles; Hiram is known for excellent workmanship and fine decorative details. The broken forestock molding; molding interrupted by silver escutcheons or inlays, may have originated in the shop of Michael Sheetz in Charles Town or by a Frederick Sheetz apprentice in Hampshire County. The rifled barrel is 42.5" about .45 cal. The stock is of good curly maple and there is restoration at the butt.

Fine relief carving, some of which is restored, is present behind the cheekpiece. One silver escutcheon is replaced, a portion of the silver work around the tang, and some of the brass in the patchbox is replaced and restored. The patchbox is beautifully engraved as is the sideplate and toeplate. The lock is a reconversion. Though highly restored the rifle exhibits the highest level of art found in Western Maryland.

SOLD 11/25