J.H. Merrill 2nd Type Carbine .54 Cal 22 1/8″ Breech Loading Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1314.98
LSB#: 210527BB25
Make: J.H. Merrill
Model: 2nd Type Merrill Carbine
Serial Number: 12649
Year of Manufacture: 1862-1865 Antique
Caliber: .54 Caliber Minie Ball & Paper Cartridge
Action Type: Black Powder Breech Loading Percussion Rifle
Markings: The lock plate is marked “J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858 / APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61” and is marked with the serial number “12649” at the rear. The top of the loading lever is marked “J. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY 1858” and at the rear is marked with the serial number “12649”. The underside of the loading lever has faded numbers.
Barrel Length: 22 1/8″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a three-position flip-up sight in a base that is fixed to the barrel. The sight has three little “V” notches.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The half-stock is one-piece smooth wood with a straight grip, straight comb, and a brass buttplate. There is a saddle ring on the left side. There are two cracks on the top of the wrist at the rear of the tang. There is material loss along the edge of the forend. There are cracks on the bottom of the wrist to the sides of the tang. There are some scattered scrapes, scratches, scuffs, compressions, and little dings. Some of the marks are deep and have removed small portions of surface wood. The majority of the defects have colored with age. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows some scattered dings, scratches, and tarnish. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and heavily pitted and eroded throughout yet the rifling is faintly visble.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. The barrel shows a thick patina with some scabs. There are some little scuffs and dings on the barrel. The lockplate and lever have finish loss and scattered patches of dark discoloration from previous oxidation and some scabs. There is heavy erosion on the barrel at the rear, nipple bolster, and on the hammer. The nipple has heavy wear. The brass fittings have an attractive tarnish plus some little nicks and dings. The screw heads are serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: A small piece at the end of the hammer has chipped off. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Merrill carbine made between 1862-1865, about 14,495 of these were produced so this was one of the later models. Merrills were used by some Union Cavalry including units from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Delaware. The serial numbers ran from 1 to 14,495 and this one is 12,649, it has the later stock without a patchbox, and the round button lever release but does not have an eagle or date of manufacture on the lockplate. This one in good mechanical order and still looks nice, it will make a great addition to your Civil War collection. Please see our photos and good luck!