Built by Joshua Yous (1827-1905) of Greencastle, Pennsylvania, active as a gunmaker primarily around 1850-1860. The side plate is inscribed "G. S. Zeigler," possibly George S. Zeigler (1827-1857), a miller who lived in nearby Leitersburg, Maryland. The rifle has "J. YOUS." stamped on top of the heavy octagon barrel, traditional blade and notch sights, adjustable double set triggers, a "JS & S/WARRANTED" lock with bird and scroll patterns, German silver furniture, and over twenty silver accents along the forend, wrist, and left side of the butt in a variety of shapes including a star, moon, and hearts. The stock also has carved "gutters" between the pins on the forend, a low cheek rest, and some incised lines and scrolls on the butt. Ramrod absent.

Good with mottled gray and brown patina and mild oxidation/pitting on the lock and barrel, aged patinas on the accents and furniture, an absent accent plate on the left side of the barrel tang, moderate scrapes and dings on the stock, wood worn to a lighter tone on the butt and towards the forend tip, dark finish and sections of attractive flame figure, and generally distinct markings and engraving. The lock won't hold half or full-cock.