September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/9/2025
J.H. Johnston worked in Waynesboro, located in 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 "JosH. 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 large eagle engraved shaped silver inlay above the cheek piece. Engraved sideplate. Full-length figured maple stock of typical Franklin County form with deep cut incised borders both ides of forend between engraved silver inlays. Incised C-scoll carving behind cheekpiece and on both sides of wrist. Wrist has an attractive period brass repair with a thin strip on each side of top. CONDITION: Untouched, unaltered and unrestored. Barrel retains a brown even patina with excellent signature, some pitting at breech around drum. Lock retains a brown patina with some pitting below drum. Does not hold on cock or half cock. Brass retains a dark patina and silver retains a pleasing pewter patina. Stock shows some minor splinters absent along right side of barrel, towards muzzle and some minor cracks and marks from use. A very high end example of Johnston's work.
Caliber/Bore
.27 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
J.H. Johnston