Only an estimated 300 Jenks carbines were altered by James H. Merrill to the Merrill system for the U.S. Navy c. 1858-1860 in order to test the practicality of the Merrill combustible paper cartridge as opposed to William Jenks' system, which required loading with loose powder and ball, per "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 9B-065). It has a blade front sight on the upper barrel band and a combination folding leaf rear sight graduated to 500 yards with its base acting as a catch for the front of the breech lever. The breech lever has the two-line marking "JAS.H.MERRILL/BALTO.PATENTED/JULY 1858", and the top of the barrel at the breech is marked "Wm JENKS" parallel to the bore ahead of "USN/(illegible inspection initials)/P/1845". The consignor indicated this carbine was purchased from Vincent Caponi on June 30, 2011. Provenance: The Vincent Caponi Collection; Private Collection

Very good as period altered/upgraded, exhibits a mix of brown finish and artificial brown patina on the barrel with a few patches of light pitting, casehardened lock and breech lever turned to a mottled gray patina, and the brass fittings exhibit bright golden patina. The stock is also very good as re-oiled, with some discreet spliced replacement sections visible around the top of the wrist, and numerous scattered mild dents and scratches. Mechanically fine.