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Rare Engraved Civil War Merrill Breech Loading "Officers Model" Carbine with Case and Accessories

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Rare Engraved Civil War Merrill Breech Loading  Officers Model  Carbine with Case and Accessories
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Estimate: $15000 - 30000
Manufacturer: Merrill Model: Breechload
This is an example of a rare engraved Merrill "Officers Model" Carbine manufactured by H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland. Government purchases were quite substantial making civilian carbines quite rare, adding to the rarity is the fact this carbine is engraved. The lock, hammer, breech lever, front saddle ring bar base, trigger guard, lower tang, patch box and buttplate tang are decorated with engraved floral scroll designs. In addition the lock, trigger guard, lower tang, patch box and buttplate tang have a geometric border. The upper tang and rear portion of the breech lever have a geometric design. The lock is marked with the serial number at the rear and "J.H. MERRILL BALTO/PAT. JULY 1858/APL. 9 MAY 21-26-61" ahead of the hammer. The top of the breech lever is marked "J.H. MERRILL BALTO/PAT. JULY 1858" and the matching serial number at the rear. Blade front sight, three leaf folding rear sight, and single brass barrel band. The barrel was finished bright, the lock, hammer and breech lever were casehardened and the mountings are brass, with silver plated trigger guard, lower tang, patch box and buttplate. Mounted with a varnished one-piece walnut straight grip stock with sharply tapered forend, saddle ring bar and ring mounted on left stock flat, checkered grip area carbine buttplate. The carbine is complete with a period wooden case, a leather belt, leather sling and a leather cartridge case with unreadable Baltimore makers stamp on the inside of the flap.
BBL: 22 1/8 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54
Finish: bright/casehardened/silver
Grips:
Serial Number: 11213
Condition:
Fine. The metal surfaces have a mottled gray patina with some minor pitting on the breech end of the barrel and on the breech lever. The buttplate retains 50% original silver plating, the patch box 20% and there are strong traces on the lower tang and trigger guard in the protected areas. The stock is excellent with almost all of the original varnish remaining, showing a few minor dents and handling marks, sharp edges on the flats and very crisp checkering. The engraving and markings remain crisp and clear. Mechanically fine. The case is good with scratches and dings on the exterior and a separated compartment in the interior. The belt is good with age and flex cracking, the sling and pouch are very good.