Our Price: sold
1st Model Merrill carbine 54 caliber. Serial number 1220. 22" barrel. Lock is marked "JH Merrill Balto. / Pat. July, 1858 / Apl 9, May 21-28-61" & serial number "1220" is stamped on breech which is also marked "JH Merrill Balto. / Pat. July 1858". This was a popular early war brass mounted Civil War carbine. These carbines were issued early war to the 1st & 5th New York Cavalry, 11th & 17th Pennsylvania Cav, 1st New Jersey Cav, 7th Indiana Cavalry & other units. Grierson’s Raiders were armed with many of these guns, even though when John Wayne portrayed Grierson in "The Horse Soldiers", he and his men were carrying later studio props.
Very good overall. Barrel. is dark plum/brown, other iron is gray w/ pitting, brass has a model mustard colored patina. Stock is sound solid & well fit with cracks between rear lock and trigger guard w/ chipping. Markings are discernible. Mechanics are functional, though hammer will not hold half-cock well, well defined rifling. PROVENANCE: Collection of Lewis Leigh Jr.
https://ccrelics.com/merrill-carbine-1st-model#sigProId987027ddec
