December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
Very scarcely encountered Merrill Conversion Breechloading rifle, serial number 911. Made by J.H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland with only 770 bought by the US government during the American Civil War and less than 1000 produced between 1862-1865. Lock is marked "J.H. MERRILL BALTO." / "PAT. JULY, 1858" / "APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61" forward of hammer with "911" behind hammer. Matching serial number observed on tang with "29" assembly number appearing on front barrel band, conversion latch assembly, inside of trigger guard, and inside of patchbox. 33" round barrel in .54 caliber with blade front sight and provision for "lollipop" tang sight with military style folding leaf rear sight. Saber bayonet lug mounted underneath barrel. One piece plain walnut stock with iron mountings. 2 barrel band setup with sling swivels on front band and trigger guard with iron military style buttplate and iron M1855 style patchbox. Iron nosecap has provision for ramrod with rest of stock not cut for a ramrod channel. CONDITION: Good, with iron components turned a mottled brown patina throughout with scattered heavy handling marks and light pitting. Stock is very good, with scattered heavy handling marks, especially near wood line on barrel and forward of trigger guard area. Action works appropriately when cycled by hand with 2 clear stops at half and full cock. Bore is dark with visible rifling. TON