This is an exceptional example of an extremely rare Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Rifle with Merrill Breech Loading Alteration. Only 100 specimens of the Model 1841 Rifle, Model 1842 Musket and the Model 1847 Cavalry Musketoon are known to have been so modified and surviving examples are nearly non-existent. The Merrill Alteration consisted of a six-inch long breech mechanism threaded into the original barrel breech and recessed into the stock. An operating lever catch was brazed to the top of the barrel between the breech and the rear sight. The nipple bolster was modified to accept a clean out-screw. The lock plate was modified so the rear lock screw could enter from the right side accept a breech reinforcing screw located just ahead of the hammer. The rear sight has a long-range rear sight with three folding leafs, graduated "1", "3" and "5" . This sight was installed with one of the Model 1841 Conversion. The original brass-tipped ramrod has been replaced with a steel ramrod with recessed trumpet-shaped head. Also part of the Model 1841 Conversions. All Merrill Breech Loading Alterations are rare. A Model 1841 Rifle with the Merrill Alteration is among the rarest and most desirable of the Civil War Breech Loading conversions. This is a standard Harpers Ferry Model 1841 Rifle; the barrel has a deep brown finish, the lock, hammer and trigger are casehardened, The rear sight, band springs and screws are blued. Sling swivels and ramrod are bright. The buttplate, patch box, trigger guard, side plate and barrel bands are brass. The stock is black walnut with an oil finish. The lock plate is marked: "HARPERS / FERRY / 1848" vertically behind the hammer and has the Eagle and Shield over "U.S." in front of the hammer. The left side of the barrel is stamped "WW / P" perpendicular to the bore followed by small "V / P / Eagle Head" inspection marks parallel to the bore at the breech. The breech mechanism has a casehardened finish and is stamped "JAS.H.MERRILL / BALTO. PATENTED / JULY 1858" at the rear. The patch box lid and butt end of the lower tang are stamped with the small inspector's initials "WJ". The left stock flat is stamped with the inspector's initials "JHK" and a single letter "R"

Excellent. The barrel retains 90% of the original brown finish thinning on the breech end where the alteration occurred and some wear on the muzzle. The lock retains most of the bright original case colors with areas that have darkened with age. The hammer has a smooth dark patina. The breechblock mechanism shows strong original case colors with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance of the outside and shows 90% bright case colors on the inside. The brass has a very attractive, untouched aged patina. With the exception of a few shallow gouges on the toe area, the stock is also excellent with 98% original oil finish, raised feathered grain, with a few scattered minor dents and dings, and sharp edges on the flats. The stock inspection stamp is crisp, the markings on the metal are clear and the action is excellent. This would be a standout piece in any military collection.