FULL STOCK KENTUCKY RIFLE PRODUCED BY WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA MAKER

$2,950.00 SOLD
Originally $3,300.00

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 516-276

The full length of this impressive weapon is approx. 53.50 inches long. It has an octagon barrel that meas. approx. 37.75 inches long with a “V” notched rear sight and a long thin blade front sight. Boldly engraved 2.50 inches forward of the breech is “.J.H. JOHNSTON.” The barrel has a plumb appearance throughout. The top of the barrel at breech shows some light surface pitting. Bore has been sleeved and meas. just under .44 with no visible rifling.

The lock was manufactured by Henry Parker and is marked in two lines forward of the hammer “HENRY PARKER / WARRANTED.” The lock face is engraved with scrollwork and fauna that is delicately executed. Serpentine iron hammer rests on the original nipple and drum. Trigger is double-set and action works properly. Lock surface has a nice even dark patina.

Curly maple stock is full length and in excellent condition. The rifle is enhanced by nine German silver inlays. The left side of the butt, on top of the cheek rest, has is a wonderful stylized Federal spread-winged eagle on an oval that meas. approx. 2.25 inches x 1.25 inches. The wrist of the stock has a small oval with the tiny engraved initials of “GD.” There are also three oval inlays evenly spaced along the forearm. These are on both sides of the stock for a total of six. Each meas. approx. 1.50 inches long x 0.50 an inch wide. All are perfectly set along a scored line and show only light tarnish. The last German silver inlay is on the right side of the butt forward of the patchbox and is a plain shield that meas. approx. 1.00 x 1.00 inch.

The patchbox is brass, is rectangular and is done with rococo style embellishments. The hinged patchbox lid itself is decorated with geometric and linear decoration and is flanked by two smaller brass rectangles which support an arch at top that in turn supports an open circle and scroll. Patchbox is opened by depressing a button on the brass toe-plate of the stock. Mechanism operates properly.

The brass triggerguard has a long bow to accommodate the double triggers and a finger rest at rear. The guard has squared ends front and back. Left side of the stock opposite the lock has a brass escutcheon, again with squared ends and a linear border decoration. Ramrod is missing but the three brass pipes are present as is the heavy brass nose cap. Buttplate is also of plain brass.

The maker, James Hampton Johnston, is described by a biographer as the “founder and sole proprietor of the Great Western Gun Works and was born in the town of Waynesboro, Franklin County, Pennsylvania, December 16th, 1836. He grew to manhood in his native place, and there learned the trade of gunmaker. Just previous to the beginning of the Civil War he moved to Pittsburgh, and was appointed Master Armorer at the Arsenal there. In this position he served with credit until the close of the war, a period of five years. In the following year, with a small capital, he established the Great Western Gun Works, one of the most rapid and surprising business successes in the great manufacturing city of Pittsburgh. From a business of $2500 in 1866, in 1874 it had grown to the proportions of $150,000 annually. Nor is this success the result of mere chance and a few speculative ventures; it was the fruit of methodical business habits and that reliance which, with strict integrity and honesty of purpose, distinguishes the character of all self-made men.”

Johnston died in Pittsburgh on June 28, 1917 and is buried there in Allegheny Cemetery.    [AD]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About FULL STOCK KENTUCKY RIFLE PRODUCED BY WAYNESBORO, PENNSYLVANIA MAKER

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

VERY SCARCE SWAN CONTRACT VIRGINIA MILITIA REGIMENTALLY MARKED MUSKET, CIRCA 1799: COMPANY C, 54th REGIMENT, NORFOLK BOROUGH

This musket follows the general lines of a British Short Land Pattern musket, but bears no British maker, ordnance, or proof marks. The lock is a two-screw lock with gooseneck hammer, rounded pan and no external bridle. The lockplate is stamped with… (1000-0255). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

29
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram