Original U.S. Civil War Rare J.H. Merrill M1862 Breech Loading Infantry Rifle Serial 6522 - One of 770 Supplied to U.S. Govt.

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a very rare single shot percussion breech loading Civil War rifle, the first example that we have ever had! As they use both a cap and a type of breech loaded cartridge, they are often referred to as "capping breech loaders". The Merrill 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. More known for the 14,500 carbines produced for the Union Cavalry, J.H. Merrill of Baltimore also produced a rifle version of the same firing system, albeit in MUCH smaller numbers. While the rifle was produced from 1862 to 1865, only 770 were purchased by the Union Government during the Civil War. Most were issued to infantry regiments with small quantities issued to sharpshooters.

The rifle featured the same knurled flat breech catch as the First Type carbine, as well as the brass patch box on the right side of the butt stock. As a standard infantry rifle design, it was produced with a 33" barrel, two brass barrel bands, and a lug for attaching a bayonet on the right side. There are slings swivels fitted to the trigger guard, and to the upper barrel band. The rear of the barrel is fitted with a three leaf rear sight with ranges for 100, 300, and 500 yards. Of note is that the bands feature "push button" style retaining springs, something we have not seen before that seems to be unique to the Merrill rifle.

This fine example of the rare rifle variant bears serial number 6522 on the lock and the breech lever, and is very good used condition, with a lovely patina from age and cleaning. 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 top of the breech lever also still has a partial two line patent marking

J.H. MERRILL BALTO.
PAT. JULY 1858

The breech components themselves all bear assembly number 85, even on the copper covered end of the breech plug, though it is very faint. The metal components, originally blued, still retain a good amount of that finish on the receiver / action, while the barrel has been polished almost bright from cleaning. We can see some staining and past peppering in areas, but no pitting or other major oxidation. The rifle is complete, and still retains the rear sight, with all three leaves, which move easily. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a partly bright finish. There is some wear and light fouling and oxidation in the grooves, now cleaned away. The action still opens correctly, and locks into place, and the lock is functional, holding correct at half cock and firing at full. The cap nipple cone shows some wear, and the bolster cleanout screw is unfortunately seized, with the slot a bit deformed from past attempts to free it.

The stock does show wear and denting from service, but has the lovely dark red brown color everyone loves. We can see that there is a repaired crack on the left side of the wrist, which is common due to the structural weakness caused by the amount of wood removed to add the breech system. The brass patch box on the right side of the butt stock is in great shape, and still has the inlet for storage of a spare nipple cone, though it is currently empty.

This is a lovely example of a rare and historical civil war capping breech loader rifle, and would be a great addition to any collection. The first example we have had, and with only 770 ever made, it's unlikely that we will ever have another! Ready to research and display!

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1862
Caliber: .54
Ammunition Type: Percussion Cartridge
Barrel Length: 33 inches
Overall Length: 48 1/4 inches
Action: Breech Rammer with Manual Percussion Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

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