April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
This carbine is almost identical to the .44 Rimfires sold during the Civil War to the Kentucky Cavalry, with the exception of caliber which is .54 Rimfire. There are no US markings, so while its time frame dates to the Civil War, there is no indication of US issue. Left side of frame is marked "MERWIN & BRAY AGT'S N.Y. 782". Right side is stamped "BALLARD PATENT 1861". Features round barrel, single band with swivel, dovetail front sight, folding leaf rear sight, walnut stocks, swivel at base of stock, lever action, single shot, and breechloading. CONDITION: 95% original barrel blue with some patina showing through. Barrel band is grey with age spotting. Frame is a soft, silver dull steel grey with some scattered age freckles. Stocks are excellent, proud to metal. Strong, clean, sharp rifled bore and fine action. While not officially military issued, it is probable it saw use given that it was a quality weapon and its .44 caliber counterpart is considered reliable and accurate. This is the never seen .54 caliber version. Extremely sharp, all original, and untouched with lots of finish. It is believed that the .54 Rimfire was experimental, introduced at the start of the war but never adopted. These are extremely rare carbines in this caliber and very few have surfaced.
Manufacturer
Merwin & Bray