SECOND MODEL MERRILL CARBINE

$2,295.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 172-5770

This untouched example of the second model Merrill cavalry carbine rates good for condition. This is the standard configuration of some 4,100 Merrill carbines delivered from August 1863 to July 1864, firing a .54 caliber combustible cartridge using a lever and plunger breechloading system and having brass mounts, including buttplate, triggerguard, and single barrel band, but omitting the patchbox and changing the flat latch of the first pattern. The brass has an untouched, aged patina. Both sights are in place, as is the side bar and sling ring. The lockplate has the date at the rear: 1863. Forward of the hammer is a small American eagle and, “J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858 / APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61.” The breech lever is marked, “J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858.” The serial number is stamped farther back on the loading assembly, 15010. The wood has a sharp inspector’s cartouche on the left side flat, traces of a second, and a good three-letter inspector stamp just forward of the buttplate tang. 

The wood has a good fit to the metal and good edges. It has small dings and handling marks, but the only real marring is a small X carved on the right butt flat and a few small pressure dents. The barrel is brown overall, with some crustiness and shallow pitting to the rear sight, receiver and lockplate, more the result of neglect after the war than abuse in service. The nipple is not battered down. The markings are generally very good and legible, only the patent stamp on top of the loading assembly shows some rubbing, with the metal a silver gray and a few small dings at the base on the wrist. Front and rear sights are in place, as is the side bar and sling ring.

James Merrill of Baltimore had been involved in the small arms business since the 1840s and was supplied carbines to the U.S. government as part of Merrill, Latrobe and Thomas in the 1850s. He was also involved in altering Jenks carbines, M1841 rifles, and M1842 muskets to his system. During the war he supplied roughly 14,500 carbines and rifles to the government. Among the cavalry regiments armed with Merrill carbines were the 1st, 5th, 8th and 18th NY; 11th, 17th and 18th PA; 1st NJ; 7th IN, 3rd MI and others. Both first and second model Merrills deserve a place in any collection of U.S. cavalry arms. Produced between August 1863 and July 1864, this was made in time to have seen service in some of the climactic battles and cavalry raids of the war.  [sr] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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