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Significant Early Civil War Breech Loading Merrill Alteration Harpers Ferry 1842 Musket
LOT 201
Rare Documented Merrill Alteration Breech Loading Harpers Ferry Model
1842 Percussion Rifled Musket with Bayonet - NSN, 69 cal., 42 bbl., bright
finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, 100 each of the Model 1842 muskets, Model
1841 “Mississippi” rifles, and Model 1847 cavalry musketoons were converted
using James H. Merrill’s breech loading system c. 1861-1862. These Merrill breech
loading alterations of the Model 1842 muskets are described on pages 201-203
of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms Volume III”, with
this exact rifle photographed on pages 201 and 203. 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, and the barrel was also rifled and fitted with a long range rear sight
as part of the conversion. 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. The front sight is an integral blade on the front barrel band. A stud on the bottom at the muzzle is used for socket bayonet mounting. The barrel is marked with “PB/P” and “V/P/eagle head” on the left near the breech. The lock plate is dated 1853 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 a trumpet head ramrod. Marked with a circled script “JAS” (John A. Schaeffer) inspection cartouche on the left stock flat. Includes a US socket bayonet, leather sling, and wood tampion.
CONDITION: Very good, bright surfaces with scattered light pitting. Stock is fine with defined edges and scattered scratches and dents. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet is excellent. A rare example of a Merrill altered
U.S. Harpers Ferry Model 1842
rifled musket!
Provenance: The George Moller
Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 11,000
Collector’s Fact
According to author George Moller, only 100 Model 1842 Muskets 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
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