Athens Ga. Cook & Bros. Rifle
David built this rifle to be an exact copy of the original rifles built
by Cook and Brother of Athens, Georgia, and is dated 1864. From 1861 to 1862
the firm was located at New Orleans, Louisiana, but was forced to leave with
the approach of Northern troops. In 1863 the firm settled in Athens, Georgia,
where it continued to manufacture firearms.
Cook rifles were considered to be of exceptional quality and
because of that they were used and used hard throughout the war. This rifle is
brand new but was patined by David to represent a late war rifle that saw some
hard use; without being cleaned for days at a time. The color case hardened
finish on the lock has turned rust-colored; and the browned barrel, although
more durable than the finish on the lock, is beginning to show some wear from
cleaning as well. The factory-blackened brass hardware is also beginning to
show some wear from handling
Every detail was accounted for in the building of this
rifle. The lock plate is an exact copy of original Athens plates-right down to
the size and font of the lettering. The lock's serial number was applied to all
the screw heads and lock bolts. The simple "PROVED" stamp found on
many late-war Cook Rifles was carefully applied using the correct sized font
and lettering. The stock flutes and lock panels are cut exactly the same was as
the originals and all the furniture is made from blackened brass.