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  • Auction Catalog #4094
  • Lot #211
Lot #210
Lot #212

Lot 211: Merrill Alteration U.S. Harpers Ferry 1841 "Mississippi" Rifle

Exceptional and Rare Merrill Breech Loading Alteration of a U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Percussion "Mississippi" Rifle

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 2, 2025

Lot 211: Merrill Alteration U.S. Harpers Ferry 1841 "Mississippi" Rifle

Exceptional and Rare Merrill Breech Loading Alteration of a U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Percussion "Mississippi" Rifle

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 2, 2025

Estimated Price: $12,000 - $17,000

Exceptional and Rare Merrill Breech Loading Alteration of a U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Percussion "Mississippi" Rifle

Manufacturer: Harpers Ferry Armory Muskets And Carbines
Model: 1841-Rifle
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 58
Barrel: 33 inch round
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 440
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 215
Class: Antique
Bore Condition: The excellent bore is shiny with crisp rifling.
Description:

Reportedly, 100 each of the Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles, Model 1842 muskets, and Model 1847 cavalry musketoons were converted using James H. Merrill's breech loading system c. 1861-1862, according to relevant information on pages 172-175 of the book "American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III" by George D. Moller. The alteration of these Model 1841 rifles involved boring out the barrel and rifling it for use with .58 Minie balls, removing the original breech plug and installing the Merrill breech system as well as adding the lever catch to the barrel, adding a screw through the lock plate, and using a bolster with a cleanout screw. It has a brass blade front sight, three-leaf notch rear sight, "WW/P" and "V/P/(eagle head)" proofs on the left at the breech, the three-line Merrill maker, address and patent markings on the lever, standard Harpers Ferry markings on the 1848 dated lock, "JHK" and "R" inspector marked on the left stock flat. Includes an extra nipple in the patchbox.

Rating Definition:

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% original brown finish on the barrel, 70% plus original oil-quenched casehardened finish strongest on the lock and on the breech lever, with absolutely sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. The brass fittings retain an attractive untouched original bright golden appearance. Stock is excellent with attractive original raised grain, rich oil finish, some light handling marks and occasional minor dings, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp inspector stamps. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional example of a rare Merrill breech loading U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle would be very difficult to improve upon!



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