Lot 3212

Civil War Merrill First Model Breech Loading Percussion Carbine

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Civil War Merrill First Model Breech Loading Percussion Carbine

Estimate: $1,600 - $2,500

Starting Bid: $1,400

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Civil War Merrill First Model Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine Manufactured c. early 1860s. Total production of type I and II Merrill carbines by James H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland, was just under 14,500, and nearly all were issued to Union cavalry units including several from New York and Pennsylvania. Merrill was in Washington, D.C., in 1816 and initially worked with his brother William as a gunsmith in Baltimore in the 1840s. His first breech loading design was patented in 1856. Features include a brass patch box and furniture, blade front and notch rear sight with two folding leaves marked for 300 and 500 yards, a sling bar and ring attached to the steel side plate on the left stock flat, matching serial numbers on the tail of the lock and lever, and boxed script "JH" cartouche on the left stock flat.

Manufacturer: Merrill James H

Model: 1st Model

BBL: 22 1/8 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: .54

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number5246

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good overall, retaining 50% antiqued/applied plum blue finish with smooth brown and grey patina on the balance, minor specks of surface pitting, silvering mild scuffs and scrapes, clear markings, and attractive yellow patina to the brass hardware. Mechanically excellent.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000