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Department during the Civil War. The 21st Indiana Volunteer Infantry (1st Indiana Heavy Artillery) Regiment are the only known to be armed almost entirely with these rifles. The rifles were also issued in limited numbers to sharpshooters in Michigan, Arkansas, and Massachusetts regiments. The Merrill rifles are generally considered to be among the rarest and most sought-after percussion rifles of the war. It shows standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the rear of the breech and lock. Left stock flat marked with boxed script inspector cartouche “ZB” (Zadock Butt). Includes leather sling, wood tampion, and tools in patch box.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% of the brown lacquered finish along the barrel with some light wear and flaking
below the muzzle. 40% original case colors in protected areas with the balance a smooth gray patina, some patches of very light
pitting, and sharp markings on the lock. Attractively aged original patina on the brass. Stock is also very fine with defined edges, a crisp cartouche, some light scratches, dents, and chips. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional example of a scarce Civil War breech loading U.S. Martial rifle. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
private purchase, and has the rarely seen “staple” blade front sight, flush fitting flat lock plate, and lacks government inspection markings. Features include attractive scroll engraving on the lock, hammer, and breech lever, a brass patch box and furniture, blade front and notch rear sight with two folding leaves (unmarked), a sling bar and ring attached to the brass side plate on the left stock flat, and J.H. Merrill patent marks on the lower tang and top of the buttplate instead of on the lock as seen standard. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes wood tampion. CONDITION: Fine as mostly turned to a crisp gray/brown patina with traces of original blue finish toward the muzzle, some light flash pitting, and crisp engraving. Brass fittings retain an attractive color. Stock is very good with some scattered light dents and handling marks, a crack on the right of the wrist, and a crack above the right of the trigger. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The George Moller Collection. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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LOT 1184
Very Scarce Civil War U.S. Contract Merrill Breech Loading Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 8100, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, only 770 Merrill rifles were manufactured by James H. Merrill for the U.S. Ordnance
casehardened finish, walnut stock. 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 unserialized type I carbine, likely a
LOT 1185
Rare Engraved Early Merrill First Model Percussion Carbine with “Staple” Front Sight - NSN, 54 cal., 22 1/8 inch round bbl., blue/