This unique single shot breech loading carbine was manufactured by J.H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland, and has the desirable features of the earliest Merrill carbines including: "staple" front sight, iron furniture including a patch box, and early style saddle ring bar (ring absent). The rear sight has two folding leaves graduated out to 300 and 500 yards. The breech lever and lock are marked with the two line Merrill address and patent date along with "183". "100" is marked on the underside of the patch box, lever latch, lever, lock, and buttplate. Merrill carbines were known to be issued to New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indian, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Delaware cavalry units during the Civil War.

Very good. The metal surfaces display a rust brown patina with some small dings, oxidation, pitting, and traces of the original case colors. The wood is also very good with hairline cracks visible on the right side wrist and forend and general scratches and dings from use. The action is fine. The markings are legible throughout though no cartouches are visible. Writer cannot recall another example of this most desirable Civil War carbine ever offered at our auctions!