The Gentleman's Collection

J.H. Merrill Breech Loading Percussion Carbine .54 Caliber

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Start price: $350

Estimated price: $700 - $900

Buyer's Premium: 25%

Description

J.H. Merrill (.54 Caliber). Single-shot breech-loading percussion carbine utilizing a top-lever action. The firearm features a 22 1/8 inch round barrel with a front blade sight and a rear flip-up ladder sight. The receiver and lock are constructed of steel with a dark brown patina, featuring a sling bar and ring mounted on the left side of the walnut stock. The oil-finished stock is fitted with brass furniture including a curved buttplate, a trigger guard with a long tang, a single barrel band, and a circular side-hinged patchbox on the right side of the buttstock. The lock plate is marked J.H. MERRILL BALTO. PAT. JULY 1858 and the tail of the plate bears the serial number 7520. The barrel retains sharp rifling within the bore. 37 1/4" L x 4" H x 3" W.

23B


Condition report:

The metal surfaces show a consistent dark brown patina with moderate areas of surface oxidation and fine pitting, particularly around the breech and hammer. The brass furniture has a muted golden-yellow patina with minor surface scratches and indentations. The walnut stock exhibits a series of small dings, impact marks, and compressions consistent with age and field use; a visible repair or wood fill is present on the left side of the forestock behind the barrel band. The action appears to function correctly with a solid lock-up, though it has not been function-tested with live ammunition. The bore is dark with some internal pitting but retains distinct, well-defined rifling.