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LOT 1231
Rare Engraved Merrill First Type
Percussion “Officers Model” Carbine - Serial no. 1081, 54 cal., 22 1/8
inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, deluxe walnut stock. This is a rare
example of an engraved Merrill type I “Officers Model” carbine, manufactured by James H. Merrill
of Baltimore, Maryland, c. 1862-1865. This example was likely a private purchase by an officer and
lacks government inspection markings. Government purchases of
Merrill carbines were quite substantial making these “Officers
Model” carbines quite rare. Total production of Merrill
carbines was reportedly just under 14,500, and nearly
all were issued to Union cavalry units according to
“Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 9B-075, 9B-076). Features attractive floral scroll engraving
on the lock, hammer, breech lever, sideplates, and the German silver fittings including the barrel
band, trigger guard/lower tang, patchbox, and buttplate. Blade front and notch rear sight with two
folding leaves, a sling bar and ring attached to the iron side plate on the left
stock flat, J.H. Merrill patent marks on both the breech lever and center of
the lock, “1081” on both the breech lever and on the tail of the lock, and “43” on the underside of the breech lever. Fitted
in a fancy select grain walnut stock. Includes an extra percussion nipple inside the patchbox. The consignor indicated this
carbine was purchased November 1, 2017, out of The William D. Moore Collection.
CONDITION: Very good, retains strong traces of original blue finish on the barrel with mostly smooth brown
and gray patina on the iron surfaces, attractive bright patina on the
German silver fittings, and sharp engraving overall. Stock is also
fine as refinished, with attractive grain, a repaired crack visible on
the left of the wrist, a few light handling marks, and defined edges.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The William D. Moore Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1232
Historic Civil War W. Clauberg Officer’s Saber with Scabbard Presentation Inscribed to First
Lieutenant Robert E. Ellerbeck from Company G of the 6th Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry in Virginia in July 1862 - This
beautiful presentation cavalry saber features a 34 1/2 inch double fullered blade with classical martial and scroll etching and the Clauberg
maker’s mark on the left ricasso. The brass hilt has scroll patterns and is fitted with a German silver grip wrapped with fine gold chain and fitted with a gold sword knot. The scabbard has a browned
body and brass mounts, including a presentation plaque neatly inscribed “TO/Robt. E. Ellerbeck./1st Lieut. Co. G. 6th Regt. N.Y.V.C./BY HIS COMPANY/Va July 1862.”
Robert E. Ellerbeck (also Ellerbect) volunteered to fight at the outbreak of the war and enlisted on May 7, 1861, at Rochester, New York, as first sergeant of Company E of the 27th New York Volunteer
Infantry. In a letter to his brother-in-law and former employer F. J. M. Cornell, he detailed his experiences as a sergeant at the First Battle of Bull Run and claimed his regiment was the first to exchange
fire with the Confederates and noted that they were forced to retreat leaving their dead and wounded on the battlefield, and he then led a detachment back into the engagement before again
withdrawing. He was discharged for disability on October 1, 1861, but his issue clearly resolved rather quickly as he was enrolled on October 23, 1861, as a lieutenant in Company G of the 6th New
York Volunteer Cavalry. He became captain of Company D on October 27, 1861. He was reportedly shot through the leg at the Battle of Bottom’s Bridge on May 20, 1862, and taken prisoner and
held at Libby Prison for three months and returned to Yonkers still with crutches. The history of the 6th N.Y.V.C. lists him as “absent without leave” in July and August of 1863 and indicates he
was dismissed on August 24, 1863. He enrolled again later that year, this time in the 22nd New York Volunteer Cavalry on December 26, 1863, and mustered in as the captain of Company M
on February 23, 1864, transferred to Company K on April, 9, 1865, and was discharged on May 15, 1865, as a brevet major. His obituary in “The Statesman” of Yonkers indicates after the war
he worked in the Patent Office. On January 22, 1867, he applied for a patent for ice skates, but he tragically died from tuberculosis shortly thereafter on September 21, 1867.
CONDITION: Fine with the bladed mostly bright polished and exhibiting distinct etching with traces of gold, a minor nick at the edge, and minimal patina; aged patina on the hilt and
scabbard fittings, thinning finish on the scabbard body, minor oxidation and storage wear, and crisp presentation inscription.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500