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. Given the lack of Great Western Gunworks markings, this rifle may have been produced by the shop of the elder Johnston in the years leading up the Civil War. The lightly engraved "JOSH GOLCHER" marked lock is consistent with other rifles made by local craftsmen in the mid to late 19th century. The rifle has blade front and notch rear sights on a browned octagon barrel with some light engraving around the rear sight and "J. H. JOHNSTON." hand marked on the rear of the barrel. It is mounted on a full length maple stock with brass furniture including an ornate patch box on the right side which has a spring released door. The stock also had some carving accent wrapping from the front of the patch box around to the comb to the small cheek rest and on the left side rear. The side plate also has light engraving, and it has double set triggers.

Good as period converted to percussion. The barrel has some faded brown finish and it and the lock have brown and gray patina and some black powder corrosion around the bolster. The brass furniture has a dark aged patina. The wood is good with crisp carving, repaired cracks in forend and material absent at the breech, and a few scattered minor marks. The action is fine.