4068

MERRILL BREECHLOADING PERCUSSION SINGLE SHOT RIFLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,500.00 USD
MERRILL BREECHLOADING PERCUSSION SINGLE SHOT RIFLE
Cal. 54. S# 7268. Bbl. 33", round with bayonet lug on right side. Blade front sight with 2-leaf rear sight. Action is loaded by lifting up and pulling back on the breech lever. Lockplate is marked "JH MERRILL / BALTO / PAT. JULY, 1865, / APL 9, MAY 21-28-61." Two-band walnut stock with brass patchbox and fittings. Left ear of stock has partially visible cartouche. Button-tip iron ramrod. Estimated quantity of 800 mfg. 1862–65. 770 of these were purchased by the US government during the American Civil War. They are considered to be one of the rarest percussion-breechloading rifles of the war. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Combination nipple wrench/screwdriver tool in butt. CONDITION: metal has acquired a brown patina appearance, showing some light pitting with a series of small dents forward of the front bbl. band. Stock has a heavily worn appearance with dents and marks, having cracks in the wrist area. Lock will not hold in full cock position. Bore is generally bright with surprisingly strong rifling. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of a Tennessee Gentleman. (01-25692/DS). ANTIQUE. $4,000-6,500.