A Merrill 1st Type Percussion Capping Breech Loader Cavalry Carbine. 37” overall, 22 1/8” round .54 calibre six groove rifled sighted barrel fitted with rear leaf sights & blade fore sight, rearward hinged lift-up breech. Plain bevel edged lock signed 'J.H. MERRILL BALTO. PAT. JULY 1858 APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61', stamped on the tail ‘2466’ & on the breech lever. Walnut half stock with brass patch box & brass barrel band, trigger guard & butt plate, with a saddle ring bar & ring mounted on the left side flat.
Circa 1862.
In good condition, no original finish.
Merrill carbines were issued to Cavalry regiments in New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wisconsin & Indiana.