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LOT 1245
Very Scarce Civil War U.S. Contract Merrill Breech Loading
Percussion Rifle - Serial no. 8100, 54 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Reportedly, only 770 Merrill rifles were manufactured by James H. Merrill for the U.S. Ordnance Department during the Civil War, per
“Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 9B-077). The 21st Indiana Volunteer Infantry (1st Indiana Heavy Artillery) Regiment are the only known to be
armed almost entirely with these rifles. The rifles were also issued in limited numbers to sharpshooters in Michigan, Arkansas, and
Massachusetts regiments. The Merrill rifles are generally considered to be among the rarest and most sought-after percussion
rifles of the war. It shows standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the rear of the breech and lock. Left stock
flat marked with boxed script inspector cartouche “ZB” (Zadock Butt). Includes leather sling, and tools in patch box.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% of the original brown lacquered finish along the barrel with some light wear and flaking
below the muzzle. 40% original case colors in protected areas with the balance a smooth gray patina,
some patches of very light pitting, and sharp markings on the lock. Attractively aged
patina on the brass. Stock is also very fine with defined edges, a crisp cartouche, some light
scratches, dents, and chips. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional example of a scarce
Civil War breech loading U.S. Martial rifle.
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
Collector’s Fact
According to "Flayderman's
Guide", Only 770 Merrill rifles
were manufactured for the U.S.
Ordnance Department during
the Civil War.
LOT 1244
Rare Documented Merrill Breech Loading Alteration of a U.S. Harpers Ferry
Model 1841 Percussion “Mississippi” Rifle - NSN, 58 cal., 33 inch round bbl., brown/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Reportedly, 100 each of the Model 1841 “Mississippi”
rifles, Model 1842 muskets, and Model 1847 cavalry musketoons were converted using James H.
Merrill’s breech loading system c. 1861-1862. Merrill breech loading alterations of the Model 1841
rifles are described on pages 172-175 of George D. Moller’s book “American Military Shoulder Arms
Volume III”, with this exact rifle photographed on page 173. The alteration of these Model 1841 rifles involved
boring out the barrel and rifling it for use with .58 Minie balls, removing the original breech plug and
installing the Merrill breech system as well as adding the lever
catch to the barrel, adding a screw through the lock plate,
and using a bolster with a cleanout screw. It has a brass
blade front sight, three leaf rear sight, “V/P/eagle head”
proofs on the left at the breech, the three-line Merrill
marking on the lever, standard Harpers Ferry markings on
the 1850 dated lock, “JLR” and “R” marked on the left stock
flat. “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at
the toe of the stock. Includes a period leather sling, and tools in patch box.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 75% original brown finish on the barrel, strong traces of the original
black oil-quenched casehardened finish on the breech lever, and the casehardened lock turned to a
smooth gray patina. The brass fittings retain an attractive bright color. Stock is excellent with attractive
original wood grain, some light handling marks and occasional dents, and defined
edges. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance:
The George Moller Collection;
Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 9,000 - 14,000
As pictured & described in
American Military Shoulder
Arms, Vol. III by Moller
Collector’s Fact
According to "American
Military Shoulder Arms
Volume III" by Moller, 100
Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifles
were converted using James H.
Merrill's breech loading system.
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