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 type I carbine and has the rarely seen "staple" blade front sight and lacks government inspection markings. It features a notch rear sight with two folding leaves marked for 300 and 500 yards, brass patch box and furniture, knurled latch, a sling bar and ring attached to the brass side plate on the left stock flat, matching serial numbers on the tail of the lock and lever, the early style two line marking "J.H. MERRILL BALTO/PAT.JULY, 1858" on the lock below the bolster, and "J.H. MERRILL BALTO./PAT. JULY 1858." on the top of the breech lever. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good, retaining 30% original blue finish concentrated on the front half of the barrel mixed with brown, and mostly turned to a smooth gray/brown patina on the rear half of the barrel and lock, with some light flash pitting. Brass fittings retain a pleasing aged patina. Stock is also very good as refinished with some light handling marks, scratches, a thin crack on the left wrist, and overall defined edges. Mechanically excellent. A pleasing example of a very scarce early Merrill Civil War carbine that would make a fine addition to any U.S. Martial collection!