I may have the largest collection of Hartley stocked rifles in existence. I have seven single shots, Winchester High Walls and one Low Wall, and a Sharps Borschardt, that he stocked, all but two in maple. I also have four bolt rifles, three Springfields and an Enfield, which he stocked for me in walnut. My involvement with Hal dates back to the late 1950's. He and my local gunsmith, friend and former business partner, the late Harry Creighton, had a serendipitous relationship whereby Harry, who did no stock work, recommended Hal to customers, and Hal, who did no metal work, referred customers to Harry. I visited Hal at his home in Lenoir, NC on a couple of occasions, but otherwise our contact was almost entirely by mail. He was a fine man, a fine stock maker, and a real gentleman.
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