California Hawken, circa 2006

[Jim Wag]

Afternoon all. I had a 54 cal Hawken built for me in 2006. The builder was based in California. I lost my paperwork during a move, and have forgotten details of the purchase. If you have knowledge of California percussion builders of that time frame, please advise. Thanks!
Jim in La Luz

 

[Cowboy]

Afternoon all. I had a 54 cal Hawken built for me in 2006. The builder was based in California. I lost my paperwork during a move, and have forgotten details of the purchase. If you have knowledge of California percussion builders of that time frame, please advise. Thanks!
Jim in La Luz

Not much information to go on in reference to your question my friend.

California is a big state. North, Central, South?

Some builders like to mark their work. Metal stamp on back of butt plate, trigger plate, bottom flat of barrel?

Could you share pictures of your Hawken?

I’m afraid that without more information, your request is like finding a needle in a haystack my friend.

Respectfully, Cowboy

 

[Notchy Bob]

Maybe Andy Fautheree? I'm not sure I spelled the last name correctly, but it's probably close. He was a well-known west coast builder in his day, and he made some nice Hawkens. I think he also designed some very nice open sights for muzzleloaders, known as "California sights."

Notchy Bob

 

[rich pierce]

I’ve got an Andy Fautheree Hawken rifle heaven made in 1968. I don’t know how late he was building but his work was outstanding.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I looked him up after submitting my post. I found an obituary indicating Mr. Fautheree passed away in 2014. All of the Fautheree rifles I know of seem to have been built in the late sixties and into the eighties, but the obituary seemed to indicate he was actively pursuing his various interests until the end of his life. So, I don't know that he was building Hawkens into the 2000's, but I suppose it's possible.

The other thing is that he had lived in Pagosa Springs, CO, for a number of years, and he must have moved out of California quite a while back. So, despite the early California association, it's probably not likely that he was the builder of the OP's rifle, and I may have been a little out of line suggesting his name without searching the details first... My apologies. Everything I've read about Mr. Fautheree indicates his workmanship was of the highest order, and there are a surprising number of his rifles up for sale on the various auction and dealer sites.

It would be helpful if the OP would examine his rifle for any markings, as Cowboy suggested, and maybe post a few pictures.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[ZUG]

I've been in Ca since 1998 and in NJ before that. I mark my rifles on the bottom of the barrel with my name, date I started the build and the end date of the build. I don't recall your name so it may not be one of mine.

 

[Jim Wag]

Thanks all. I'm away from the rifle at present. I'll check the barrel markings when I get back and post pictures. I remember a 'CA' stamp, which I believe may refer to the date the barrel was made; 2006.

 

[Jim Wag]

Good morning. Here is a picture of the stamp on the bottom of the barrel, at the breech. Any ideas about identity? Thank you.

 

[Grenadier1758]

Your barrel contains the proof marks for a barrel proofed in Italy. The CA is the code for 2006. The PN is the stamp indicating it was proofed for use with black powder (polvere nera). The other stamps indicate that the barrel was proofed at the Gardone, Italy proof house.

More information can be found at the following site.

Modern Replica Dating by Proof Marks

A PDF link to Dennis Adler's article about Italian Black Powder Proof marks is given below. http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf You must have Adobe or similar software to read pdf files. It is available on the web from Adobe as a free download. An additional listing showing old...

www.muzzleloadingforum.com

and

http://www.powderhombre.com/mbpproofmarks.pdf

 

[Notchy Bob]

Jim Wag, can you post some photos of the actual rifle, maybe full-length views of both sides and a close-up of the lock/breech/ triggerguard area?

I would think it unusual for a custom builder to use an Italian barrel, although I suppose it could happen. Grenadier's comments are spot on.

Notchy Bob

 

[Jim Wag]

Thanks much. I appreciate the web referrals. Actually saw the article on this site earlier, but didn't read it.
I'm not surprised that I have an Italian barrel. The man who built the rifle didn't promise a custom build. I believe it was a kit rifle. He did a good job with the assembly and it is nicely finished. My memory is not too good.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Ok, is it a California Hawken, or a Hawken made in California?

There IS a difference.

post some photos for Pete’s sake.

 

[Jim Wag]

Flintandsteel,
Ask Pete to read the original post to you.
That will answer your question.

 

[RoaringBull]

I don't know a thing about the builder, but it's a good looking rifle!

 

[Jim Wag]

I don't know a thing about the builder, but it's a good looking rifle!

Thank you for the compliment. It sure is fun to shoot!
Jim

 

[Notchy Bob]

It bears a very strong resemblance to a Lyman Great Plains rifle, particularly the snail and the trigger guard, and it appears (to me) to have a European walnut stock. That would also explain the Italian proof marks on the barrel. Post #11 indicates it may have been built from a kit, which seems likely. A talented builder could start with a Lyman kit, remove the "graffiti" from the barrel, give it a custom finish, and fine-tune the lock and trigger to build a very nice rifle, which is what you have.

I do believe it started life as a Lyman Great Plains rifle or kit, though.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[Jim Wag]

It bears a very strong resemblance to a Lyman Great Plains rifle, particularly the snail and the trigger guard, and it appears (to me) to have a European walnut stock. That would also explain the Italian proof marks on the barrel. Post #11 indicates it may have been built from a kit, which seems likely. A talented builder could start with a Lyman kit, remove the "graffiti" from the barrel, give it a custom finish, and fine-tune the lock and trigger to build a very nice rifle, which is what you have.

I do believe it started life as a Lyman Great Plains rifle or kit, though.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

Thanks for the clues! Makes sense, too.
Dang, I sure would like to know who built it.

 

[Barry Stewart]

I agree with Notchy Bob. Sure looks like a Lyman Great Plains Rifle. It even has the slight drop in the bottom of the buttstock. It appears to be missing the under rib and ram rod thimbles however. Looks like the nose cap was polished instead of browned and the lock panels have been refined. Other than that looks to be a GPR. Sorry I can't help with the builder. I think somebody built it from a kit (which are currently available for purchase) or refinished a factory rifle.

 

[Jim Wag]

I agree with Notchy Bob. Sure looks like a Lyman Great Plains Rifle. It even has the slight drop in the bottom of the buttstock. It appears to be missing the under rib and ram rod thimbles however. Looks like the nose cap was polished instead of browned and the lock panels have been refined. Other than that looks to be a GPR. Sorry I can't help with the builder. I think somebody built it from a kit (which are currently available for purchase) or refinished a factory rifle.

Thanks much. I removed the rib for cleaning, then decided I like the look. Shoots great, with or without.

 

[Flintandsteel]

Definitely NOT a California Hawken. I’ll go with the second choice. Hawken, (kinda). Made in California. This is a California Hawken.