Estimates vary on the total number of Perry breech loaders manufactured by the Perry Patent Arms Co. of Newark, New Jersey, around 1855-1857. All estimate ranges are relatively small, and just 200-250 of these "long frame" Navy type carbines are believed to have been made. The Navy ordered 150 of these carbines in 1856, but only 50 were accepted after the inspectors rejected them twice. Another 200 were ordered by the Army with "short frames," but none are believed to have been manufactured. This one is in the Navy carbine configuration but has no visible government markings suggesting it was sold on the open market. It may have still been pushed into service during the Civil War as a private arm or with the arms purchased by the Union and C.S.A. in the rush to arm the troops. It has a blade front sight, notch rear sight, "A.D. PERRY/PATENTED" and "PERRY PATENT ARM/NEWARK, N.J." on the breechblock, the matching serial number on the barrel, breechblock, frame and lever and smooth stock and forearm. The matching serial numbers are significant given serial numbering of surviving Perry carbines is inconsistent and many have mismatched numbers. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the stock toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good plus. The barrel has strong original brown finish mixed with an even brown patina. The remaining metal surfaces are a mixture of brown and gray patinas with traces of original darkened case colors on the buttplate and a couple patches of pitting. The wood is fine with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.