November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
J.H. Johnston worked in Waynesboro, located Franklin County, Pennsylvania. John Henry Johnston, his son James Henry, and grandson John were all rifle makers and James was the founder of the well known Great Western Gun Works in Pittsburgh right after the Civil War. This fine rifle features an octagonal rifled steel barrel signed "J.H. Johnston" on top flat, in script. Decorated muzzle face. Flat stamp engraved percussion lockplate marked "J. Goulcher" in center, double set triggers. Brass furniture includes a four-piece engraved patchbox with piercings and classic Franklin County finial. Engraved shield-shaped wrist escutcheon, nicely executed and distinctly styled eagle engraved on oval brass inlay above the cheek piece. Engraved sideplate. Full-length figured maple stock of typical Franklin County form with incised borders along ramrod channel and scrolls around comb and on each side of wrist. Rope-burned wooden ramrod appears to be original. Very good condition with dark patina on barrel and lock, markings clear, some corrosion around breech and bolster. Brass is unpolished and shows little wear, engraving is sharp. Stock excellent with some minor black powder loss above front lock tang and some scattered marks from use, two small holes directly behind barrel tang. Overall, a very attractive rifle in nice, original, uncleaned condition.
Manufacturer
J.H. Johnston