This original, breech-loading carbine is one of only some 14,500 weapons produced by H. Merrill of Baltimore, MD. This cavalry weapon is a wartime example of the Second Type Merrill carbine with a 54 caliber, single shot, percussion breechloader as used in the Civil War.

Carbine exhibits the brass triggerguard, brass butt plate, single brass barrel band but no patch box. A horizontal “U.S.” is stamped below the screw on the buttplate tang. Specimen has a 22 1/8” long round barrel with semi-bright surface that is turning brown. Bore shows good rifling   but is very dirty with some light scattered pitting.

Piece was loaded by pulling back the ball-type plunger latch on the top breech lever, then lifting and pulling up the lever and inserting the cartridge. Mechanics are good. Top flat of the breech lever is marked with “J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858” while its base is marked with serial #14010. Underside of the lever has light dirt and a streak of surface rust that also touches the side wall of the hammer. Atop the barrel is the three level rear sight with the “V” cuts graduated for 300 and 500.

Marked on the iron lockplate forward of the hammer is the three-line address of “J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858 / APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61.”  Small spreadwinged eagle also stamped in front of hammer. Date “1863” stamped behind the hammer. Bolster screw is buggered. Original nipple is present.

Carbine features a dark walnut stock that carries a cartouche on the stock flat. Stock left side is also fitted with an iron sling bar and sling ring. Stock has normal dings, dents and scuffs. All brass except for the barrel band exhibits a mellow patina. Band has been cleaned.

This Merrill Type 2 carbine is a veteran representative of a cavalry arm of the Civil War.

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