Rifle, Long
Object number2006.45.1
Manufacturer
James Hampton Johnston
Manufacturer
Great Western Gun Works
Manufacturer
J. Golcher
Datec. 1875
OriginPittsburgh, PA
OriginPhiladelphia, PA
Mediumwood, walnut, metal, iron, steel, brass
Credit LineGift of the Estate of Albert E. Beisner
DescriptionLong rifle, half-stocked in walnut(?) with dark finish. Curved brass buttplate. Small round patchbox in cheek of stock, with pointed finial, stuffed with cut fabric patches. Loop triggerguard with two decorative finger hooks. Double set triggers. Percussion lock has engraved scrolls and bird designs. Octagon barrel with "v" rear sight and brass front blade sight.DimensionsHeight x Width x Length: 8 × 2 × 50.375 in. (20.3 × 5.1 × 128 cm)MarksPercussion lock has engraved text "J. GOLCHER"
Top of barrel has imprinted text "J.H. JOHNSTON / GREAT WESTERN / GUN WORKS / PITTSBURGH, PA".
Historical NotesJames Hampton Johnston founded the Great Western Gun Works in 1866 at Penn Avenue and Wayne Street in Pittsburgh, later moving to 186 Smithfield Street. Johnston was formerly employed as an armorer at the Allegheny Arsenal. The firm specialized in inexpensive rifles, capitalizing on travelers heading to the West; this rifle appears to be a "No. 2" grade gun which sold for $13.00 in the 1872 catalog.
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