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Exceptionally Rare and Seldom Offered for Sale Documented Merrill Breech Loading Alteration U.S. Springfield 1847 Cavalry Musketoon
Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, only 100 Model 1847 Cavalry Musketoons were converted using James Merrill's breech loading system circa 1861-62.
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK AMERICAN MILITARY SHOULDER ARMS, VOL. III BY MOLLER
LOT 199
Incredibly Rare Documented Merrill Alteration Breech Loading Springfield Model 1847 Percussion
Rifled Cavalry Musketoon - NSN, 69 cal., 26 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock.
Reportedly, 100 each of the Model 1847 cavalry
musketoons, Model 1842 muskets, and Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifles
were converted using James H. Merrill’s breech loading system c.
1861-1862, with the Model 1847 musketoons nearly non-existent on
the collectors market today. These Merrill breech loading alterations
of the Model 1847 cavalry musketoons are described on pages
232-233 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder
Arms, Volume III”, with this exact musketoon photographed on
both pages. The alteration was performed by replacing the barrel
tang with the Merrill breech system as well as adding the lever
catch to the barrel, adding an additional screw in the lock plate for added
strength, installing a clean out screw on the bolster. This rare Merrill alteration is not to be confused
with the much more common Merrill manufactured carbines and rifles also used by the Union during the war effort. According to Moller’s book, “The Ordnance Department accepted 98 Merrill-altered musketoons. The two remaining musketoons were condemned as being ‘spoiled in alteration.’” The barrel appears to have been rifled prior to the Merrill alteration. Unlike the Model 1842 muskets which were widely rifled, only a small number of the musketoons were rifled and fitted with a 500 yard three-leaf rear sight (mounted backwards as noted in Moller’s book). The front sight is an integral blade on the front barrel band. The barrel is marked with the “V/P/eagle head” proof on the left near the breech. The Springfield lock plate is dated 1851 and has the standard markings. The breech mechanism is marked with the Merrill address and patent information in three lines. Fitted with a smooth straight grip stock secured by three sets of barrel bands, sling swivels on the middle band and front of the trigger guard, and tulip head ramrod with the rare sleeved chain device for retention of the ramrod. Flayderman’s Guide states, “Although these chain devices were supposed to replace the swivels, it has been the author’s experience in seeing quite a few specimens over the years that almost no chain devices survived and hence are more rare intact than the swivels.” Marked with a boxed script “JF” inspection cartouche on the left stock flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion.
CONDITION: Very fine with crisp, bright surfaces overall with some patches of light pin prick pitting, and crisp markings. Brass fittings retain an attractive bright color. Stock is excellent with attractive original raised wood grain, defined edges, some light handling marks, and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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