Original U.S. Civil War J.H. Merrill M1858 Breech Loading Cavalry Carbine Converted to Muzzle Loading Short Rifle - Serial 5290

Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very interesting example of what was originlly a percussion breech loading Civil War Saddle Ring Carbine. As they use both a cap and a type of breech loaded cartridge, they are often referred to as "capping breech loaders". Somewhere around 14,500 were made by J.H. Merrill of Baltimore for the Union Cavalry, mostly between 1863 and 1865. The carbines were produced in two versions: First Type and Second Type. The First Type included a brass patch box in the stock and had the breech lever secured by a flat, knurled latch. The Second Type was produced without the patch box and had the breech lever secured with a rounded, button type latch. The majority of the carbines, something over 10,000 were of the First Type, with the Second Type coming in during July 1864 and accounting for about 4,100. The breech loading design is somewhat unique: a breech loading percussion system with a large breech lever / loading rammer. Percussion cartridges were loaded, pushed forward into the breech by the rammer, and then ignited by a percussion cap.

This example is however no longer a breech loader, having been converted to a Muzzle loader, most likely for sporting or hunting use. The breech loading system was not without its drawbacks, and it most likely would be damaged over the long term by fouling and wear. As such the breech loading components were locked in place, and we think we can see a ground off pin used to secure the breech lever in placed on the top of the receiver. As there is no longer any way to open the breech, we do not know what type of internal modifications were made. Additionally, We noted that the stock, or in particular the butt stock, looks to have been refit with the brass butt plate and patch box from a Sharps Model 1853 carbine or similar, as it is definitely not correct for a Merrill. The barrel was also replaced, possibly with a shortened barrel from a Merrill Rifle, or perhaps something entirely different. Really a very interesting modified examples, the likes of which we have not seen before!

This fine example bears serial number 5290 on the lock, while the modified breech lever is marked with 5326 on the back. The serial number for this would usually have put it into the "Type I" range, but as the breech lever lock has been removed, there is no way to tell. The lock plate still has the original markings, which are still crisp:

J.H. MERRILL BALTO.
PAT JULY 1858.
APL. 9. MAY 21-28-61

The metal components, originally blued, now show a worn gray patina, with some areas retaining the finish better than others after years of cleaning cleaning. We did not see any major oxidation or past pitting, just the usual wear from age. The original rear sight was removed, and replaced with a simple tangent sight, while the front sight was also replaced, however the blade on the replacement broke off. The lock is still functional, though a strong pull at half cock can cause it to discharge. The bore is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. We did note that the muzzle was counterbored about 3/8" of the way in to remove the rifling, often thought to increase accuracy by removing the rifling at the muzzle, which would be worn by cleaning / ramming.

The stock is in lovely condition, looking to have been varnished at some point in the past, and it is fitted with a white metal nose cap, as seen on sporting rifles of the time. It has a beautiful color, showing only light wear and no repairs or other damage. There is a very nice brass fitted steel ramrod under the barrel, which is definitely not original. It is threaded on the narrow end so tools could have been used with it. There are no sling attachments on the rifle, and as mentioned previously, the saddle ring bar and ring were removed, though the bases are still present to secure the lock and other components.

A very interesting post war conversion of a Merrill Breech-loading carbine, probably intended for sporting use. Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: mid 1864 - Modified later
Caliber:  .54
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 26 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 42 1/4 inches
Action: Muzzle Loading
Feed System: Single Shot

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