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. "3/61" is stamped on the inside of the patch box, buttplate, lock, and hammer. Merrill carbines were issued to several Union units including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Delaware cavalry regiments.

Good. The carbine has patches of brown patina, spotting, and some light pitting but is primarily bright. The barrel band screw is absent. The brass components have an aged patina. The stock is also good as re-oiled with a faint cartouche on the left flat, a chip at the front of the lock, some scrapes and divots. The action is excellent. Some of the markings are faint, but they are all identifiable.