Hacker Martin was born in 1895 and learned to build guns the traditional Appalachian way from his grandfather. He is one of the 20th-century craftsmen credited with keeping the tradition of hand-built traditional American rifles alive into the 20th century and was an inspiration for many of the artisans working today. Many of Martin's rifles are crafted entirely from hand-made parts. This rifle is made with American walnut and has traditional silver blade front sight and notched rear sights with a rattlesnake tail that has been moving back on the barrel during the period as a shooter’s preference. The barrel at the breech is inscribed with the owner’s name "J KAULBACK" in large block letters. Kaulbach was an Alvin York shooter from Tennessee. This wonderful Hacker Martin (attributed) longrifle may be his masterpiece as it is silver mounted with silver inlay and engraved silver patchbox. There is a fantastic silver eagle inlaid on the cheek piece that is surrounded by inlaid silver wire and an inlaid silver star behind the cheek piece. The forestock has 25 silver inlays, including a silver inlaid eagle as the final to the rear ramrod pipe. The engraved nose cap, engraved trigger guard, engraved side plate, engraved toe plate, ramrod pipes, and butt plate are all made of silver. The best of all is 6” silver rattlesnake inlaid and engraved on the top of the rear stock as a final to the top portion of the butt plate. The lock is an engraved flintlock possibly made by William Paris, locksmith. The engraving appears to be the hand of Lester Smith working in Hacker Martin’s shop. CONDITION: Very good overall with an attractive untouched finish, aged patina on the silver, some minor marks from use. One of Hacker Martin’s most decorative longrifles. PROVENANCE: Gordon Barlow Collection. Barrel Length: 42" Caliber/Bore: .45 Rifled FFL Status: Antique Manufacturer: Hacker Martin Attributed Model: Kentucky Rifle Serial Number: NSN