October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
Features small brass barrel band, brass buttplate, brass patchbox, three leaf folding rear sight, post front sight, one piece walnut stock. The action is stamped "JH MERRILL BALTO PAT JULY 1856 APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61". "H" stamped on brass buttplate, patchbox, trigger guard, and saddle bar plate. No visible inspector marks on stock. The first 600 Merrill carbines were delivered to the Washington Arsenal in November 1861. Many were issued to the 4th New York Cavalry. The 4th saw service that summer in the Shenandoah Valley, fought at the second Battle of Manassas, and in numerous battles in or about Virginia. In 1863 their carbines were turned in and given to the 6th Kansas Cavalry that operated in Indian territory in Southwest Missouri. Also in 1862, two Tennessee regiments were issue Merrill carbines and saw action at Stone River and Murfreesboro. One of the largest issues of Merrill carbines in 1862 went to the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry who were eventually stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. While in Kansas, the Wisconsin men fought a major battle with Bill Quantrill's Confederate Raiders. At Gettysburg on the morning of July 1st, 1863, General John Buford's Cavalry held Confederate forces for over two hours partially armed with Merrill carbines. At Gettysburg, Captain Robert Duvall's Company A went into battle with 100 Merrill carbines. You can find Merrill carbines used in just about every action during the War, including during the summer of 1864, when the 7th Indiana Cavalry fought a battle at Brice's Crossroads against Nathan Bedford Forrest. CONDITION: All iron parts are a grey-brown patina. Wood is excellent. Three groove has well defined, sharp rifling. Highly regarded firearm. DB