Just under 14,500 Merrill carbines were manufactured in two variations during the Civil War. This example is the first type with slightly different stock contours, a patch box, and the early knurled latch. Merrill carbines were almost exclusively issued to cavalry units during the war, including units from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Delaware. The top of the loading lever is marked "J.H. MERRILL BALTO./PAT. JULY .1858." at the breech and the serial number on the arm. The lock plate is marked "J.H.MERRILL BALTO./PAT. JULY. 1858./APL 9. MAY 21-28-61." at the front and is marked with the serial number behind the hammer. The barrel has a three-leaf rear sight and a fixed front blade front sight. The left stock flat has a saddle ring bar.

Good with mottled gray and brown patina, aged patina on the brass, and moderate overall wear, including some pitting. The heavily worn stock is fair and has moderate overall wear, including some chipping along the edges, some splits in the grains, and moderate erosion. Mechanically excellent.