Total production of type I and II Merrill carbines by James H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland, was just under 14,500, and nearly all were issued to Union cavalry units including several from New York and Pennsylvania. Merrill was in Washington, D.C. in 1816 and initially worked with his brother William as a gunsmith in Baltimore in the 1840s. His first breech loading design was patented in 1856. This example is a very early unserialized type I carbine, likely a private purchase, and has the rarely seen "staple" blade front sight, flush fitting flat lock plate, and lacks government inspection markings. Features include attractive scroll engraving on the lock, hammer, and breech lever, a brass patch box and furniture, blade front and notch rear sight with two folding leaves (unmarked), a sling bar and ring attached to the brass side plate on the left stock flat, and J.H. Merrill patent marks on the lower tang and top of the buttplate instead of on the lock as seen standard. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine as mostly turned to a crisp gray/brown patina with traces of original blue finish toward the muzzle, some light flash pitting, and crisp engraving. Brass fittings retain an attractive color. Stock is very good with some scattered light dents and handling marks, a crack on the right of the wrist, and a crack above the right of the trigger. Mechanically excellent.