Just under 14,500 Merrill carbines were manufactured in two variations during the Civil War. This example is the first type with slightly different stock contours, a patch box, and the early knurled latch. Merrill carbines were almost exclusively issued to cavalry units during the war, including units from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Delaware. Fixed front blade front sight and three-leaf rear sight. The left stock flat has a saddle ring bar.

Good, with old applied brown finish visible on the barrel with bright surfaces on the balance of the iron, scattered mild freckling, bright patina on the lightly cleaned brass fittings, and legible markings on the breech lever and lock. The stock is also good as sanded and re-oiled, with scattered dents and scratches, a few filled in repairs visible, and a visible but obstructed cartouche. Mechanically excellent.