November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
1862-1865 vintage Merrill 1st model breechloading rifle with total estimated quantity manufactured of 800. 33" round barrel in .54 caliber with blade front sight, military folding leaf rear sight, and bayonet lug on right side. Brass mountings including barrel bands, nosecap, lockplate, trigger guard, storage compartment (compartment is empty), and buttplate. 1 piece plain walnut stock. Added shield on right side of stock for a presentation inscription with "H.W. ELM" engraved into it with a sharp instrument, likely a pen knife. Patchbox is inscribed with the letters "SERGT", appearing to have been presented to a Sergeant at some point with no other pieces of the inscription visible. Serial numbered on right side of lock and on outside of loading lever assembly "10694". Matching assembly markings ("0" / "23", also seen as "230") observed inside of patchbox, loading lever spring, loading lever, plunger tail, and front of nosecap. Complete with correct M1862 Merrill navy rifle yataghan style bayonet numbered "30" and dated 1862. Comes with a paperwork folder that includes notes on configuration, and a photocopy of pg. 72 of "Arms Makers of Maryland" by Daniel D. Hartzler, where this gun is photographed. In addition, this rifle is photographed on pg. 26 of "Gunsmiths of Maryland" by Daniel D. Hartzler and James B. Whisker. CONDITION: Very good, with iron assemblies turned a speckled dove gray patina with areas of heavy freckling near breech consistent with use. Brass components are very good as polished bright with minor handling marks throughout. Stock is excellent overall, with no major cracks or heavy gouges, and diamond shaped repair on left side of stock measuring approximately 2 - 3/4" by 1 - 1/2". Mechanically fine. Bore is frosted with crisp rifling. Bayonet is excellent as cleaned with brass assemblies turned a mellow patina. A nice example of a relatively rare rifle complete with bayonet and documentation in 2 books.
Accessories
M1862 Merrill Navy Rifle Bayonet