VERY RARE**MINT BORE**1864 American Civil War James H. Merrill’s 2nd Type 1858 / 1861 Patent .54 Calibre Single Shot Breech Loading Cavalry Carbine With Brass Furniture, Steel Saddle Bar & Ring. A 1119 Single Shot .54 Rifles

**VERY RARE**MINT BORE**1864 American Civil War James H. Merrill’s 2nd Type 1858 / 1861 Patent .54 Calibre Single Shot Breech Loading Cavalry Carbine With Brass Furniture, Steel Saddle Bar & Ring. A 1119 - A 1119

The Merrill carbine was a breechloader firearm designed by Baltimore, Maryland gunsmith and inventor James H. Merrill. It was one of several firearms made by Merrill in fulfillment of contracts with the Union Government during the U.S. Civil War and were issued to Cavalry units. The carbine is loaded by pulling back the flat, knurled steel lugs on the breech cover and lifting it to reveal the breech and inserting the cartridge. The carbines were produced in two versions: First Type and Second Type. The First Type included a brass patchbox in the stock. The Second Type was produced without the patch box. The carbines were in service with the Union army during the civil war between 1863 and 1865. This is an excellent original example of the 2nd type Merrill 1858 / 61 patent carbine. The metal work is undamaged with even aged patina. Its original wood stock is all original. The 20" barrel’s bore is near mint, clean and bright with crisp rifling. It measures 37” overall. The carbine is fitted with 2 leaf rear swivel sight & blade fore sight. It also has a steel saddle bar & ring (there is an old stable repair to a fine crack on the stock at the rear saddle bar screw). It has a brass butt plate, barrel band and trigger guard. The action plate is stamped with Merrill’s name & 1858 -1861 patent detail ‘J.H. Merrill Balto Pat July 1858 / Apl 9. May 21-28-61’ together with 1864 date & American Eagle mark (all illustrated). The breech cover has ‘J.H. Merrill Balto Pat July 1858’. The carbine is serial number '16588' which is stamped on the hinged breech cover. This type 2 carbine is correctly without patch box. The weapon’s loading and firing actions work as they should. The price for this very rare piece of American Civil War history includes UK delivery. NB As an antique obsolete calibre weapon no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. A 1119

£2,495.00