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 First Type Merrill carbine in .54 caliber.

Carbine exhibits the brass trigger guard, brass butt plate, single brass barrel band, and brass patch box. Specimen has a 22 1/8” long round barrel with dark brown color and light surface oxidation. Bore is dirty but shows good rifling.

Piece was loaded by pulling back on the flat, cross-hatched tabs, then lifting and pulling back the plunger latch on the top of the receiver, and inserting the cartridge. Mechanics are good. Top flat of the breech lever is lightly marked with “J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858” while its base is marked with serial #4889. Underside of the lever is clean. Atop the barrel is the flip-up leaf style rear sight with the “V” cuts. The center leaf is broken off. 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.” Serial number (4889) is again stamped behind the hammer.

Carbine features a dark walnut stock with no cartouches. Stock left side is also fitted with an iron sling bar and sling ring. An extra original nipple is found inside of patch box. Stock is in good condition. All brass furniture is mellow yellow.

There are no identifying marks on the carbine itself. The gun comes with a notarized letter stating that this carbine and another musket was purchased from a family in Boonsboro, MD. The letter goes on to state that these weapons were passed down through the family from William Gannon who served in the 1^st Maryland Infantry (CS) and later the 2^nd Battalion Maryland Infantry (CS).  Copies of these letters come with the carbine.

This Merrill Type 1 carbine is a beautiful cavalry arm of the Civil War era.  [jet]

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