Barrel is semi-bright with only light scattered mottling near the barrel band and minor surface pitting along the left side of the breech. The same area has some signs of vice marks or indentations from something hitting against the barrel. The wood of the stock is also banged up a bit in this area. Front blade sight is present above the muzzle and the rear sight has flip-up leaves. Rear sight retains some blue. Bore has good rifling but does show some pitting about halfway down the barrel.

Lock plate is bright with some oxidation and light scattered pinprick surface pitting. Under the bolster the lock is clearly marked “J. H. MERRILL BALTO PAT JULY 1858 APL 9 MAY 21-28-61” in three lines. Just forward of the hammer is a small spread-winged eagle while behind the hammer is the year “1863.” The hammer matches the lock in appearance. The breech lever has a good stamping of “J. H. MERRILL BALTO / PAT. JULY 1858.” Further to the rear the breech lever bears serial number “16170.” Lever operates properly and upon lifting it the inspector initials of “J. S. D.” can be seen between the rear sight and the breech. Action works well and the original nipple remains with some built up dirt around the base.

The wood stock has brass furniture with two strong inspector’s cartouche marks on the left side opposite the lock. Wood shows a lot of the original feathering and is free of cracks. As mentioned above the wood does show some gouging just below the left side of the breech. Saddle bar and ring is mounted on the left side and slight saddle wear is visible on the left cheek. Top of the stock just forward of the brass buttplate is clearly stamped “J. S. D.”

Brass buttplate is stamped with a strong “US.” All brass surfaces show a light patina.

It is known that the Merrill carbine were issued to the 1^st 5^th and 18^th New York, 11^th 17^th and 18^th Pennsylvania, 1^st New Jersey, 7^th Indiana, 1^st and 3^rd Wisconsin, 27^th Kentucky and 1^st Delaware Cavalry regiments.  [ad] [ph:L]

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