This carbine was manufactured by J.H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1862. The carbine has a blade front sight and two-leaf folding rear sight graduated to 300 and 500 yards. A carbine sling bar and ring is attached to the left stock flat. The black walnut stock has the brass patch box found on the standard first type carbines. The lock plate and lever are stamped "J.H. MERRILL BALTO/PAT.JULY, 1858". The lock has the third line "APL 9 MAY 21-28-31" added below the early stamp. The serial number is stamped vertically on the lock plate behind the hammer and on the end of the breech lever. "40" is stamped on the underside of the lever latch, lever, patch box, buttplate, lock, and hammer. Merrill carbines were issued to several Union cavalry units.

Fine. The barrel has a mixture of 25% of the original faded blue finish with the balance a brown patina with some spotting. The lock and breech have muted case colors on the exterior, stronger colors on the interior including one section of fiery colors, and a brown patina. The stock is fine with some scrapes, and a few scattered dings. There is a dark circle "shadow" present at the rear of the left flat from where the saddle ring has rested for many years. The action is fine. This is a well above average example of a desirable Civil War carbine!