George H. Ferriss (1820-1885) was a gunmaker in Utica, New York, in the mid to late 19th century and worked at times with Morgan James. He was an accomplished marksman in the antebellum era, and heavy target rifles like this one by various New York gunmakers were famously used by sharpshooters during the Civil War. The heavy octagonal barrel is turned round at the muzzle for use with a bullet starter and has a dovetailed globe front sight, no rear sight seat, and "G. H. FERRISS/UTICA./N.Y." marked on top. The same marking is on the back action lock. The rifle is also equipped with a threaded tang peep sight, plain single trigger, pewter forend cap, and brass mounts.

Fine with 60% of the original plum brown finish remaining on the barrel, 30% case colors on the lock, period repaired/refinished hammer, more vibrant original case colors on the tang, aged patina on the brass mounts, and minor overall wear including light oxidation. The stock is also fine and has some small flakes and minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.