A Merrill 2nd Type Percussion Capping Breech Loader Cavalry Carbine. 37” overall, 22 1/8” round .54 cal. three groove rifled, sighted barrel fitted with rear leaf sights to 300 & 600 yards, blade fore sight, rearward hinged lift-up breech with pull back button & copper face to plunger. Lock signed 'J H MERRILL, BALTO, PAT. JULY 1858', plain bevel edged lock signed 'J.H. MERRILL BALTO. PAT. JULY 1858 APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61', stamped on the tail ‘12832’ & on the breech lever. Walnut half stock with brass barrel band, trigger guard & butt plate, with a saddle ring bar and ring mounted on the left side flat.
Circa 1863.
Interesting example in good condition, has matching numbers, 1st type lock but stock and action are 2nd type, good bore.
Merrill carbines were issued to Cavalry regiments in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin & Indiana.