> was a stradivari
> really such a to-die-for instrument in his own day? it took
> centuries for the lore to be piled on.
> to me, the analogy may be misplaced. but looking for
> parallels keeps my sites set high.
> e-RICHIE
>
Here's one for you Richard,
My 1840 Hawken gun. A handbuilt example of a truly original American
art form. Built to fit you. The Hawken brothers would cut the barrel
themselves, choose and shape the wood to your specs, hand make and hand fit
the iron furniture into the stock, add any German silver niceties to your
liking (or theirs), and even make and grind the powder to burn at the correct
rate for your rifle. The end result? When you crossed the Mississippi in the
1820's through the 40's you had something that was practical, reliable, and
beautiful; and it would get you back home with some certainty.
Sound familiar?
Craig Montgomery, Tucson
Collector of Hawkens, Winchesters, Colts, American and British handbuilt
frames