John Henry Johnston, his son James Henry, and grandson John A. were all makers of Pennsylvania long rifles. James was the founder of the well known Great Western Gunworks in Pittsburg just after the Civil War. This rifle was likely produced by the shop of the elder Johnston in the years leading up the Civil War. The rifle has blade front and notch rear sights on a browned octagon barrel signed "J. H. JOHNSTON." in script on top. The muzzle has circle designs. The "H ELWELL/WARRANTED" marked lock has some scroll and hunting scene patterns. The rifle is equipped with adjustable double set triggers and is mounted on a full length maple stock with brass furniture including an ornate four-piece patchbox with pierced finial and engraving. The release button is in the coordinately engraved toe plate. The stock also has sixteen engraved silver inlays, including an eagle and shield design on the oval cheekpiece inlay, as well as attractive molding and incised carving.

Fine with crisp signature and engraving, distinct lock marking, smooth gray and brown patina on the lock and barrel, some pitting concentrated at the breech, attractively aged patina on the silver inlays and brass furniture, and fairly minor overall wear. The stock is also fine and has some mild scratches and dings, distinct molding and carving, dark finish, and some attractive flame figure. Mechanically fine. Given the erosion from corrosive caps at the breech, this rifle clearly saw some use, but its otherwise high overall condition clearly indicates it was also well-cared for. Its prior owner noted: "This one is probably one of the best conditioned Kentucky rifles I have owned. It is a humdinger."