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American Civil War Merrill Model 1863 2nd Model .54 Caliber Carbine ID'd to Private in 7th Indiana Cavalry SOLD
Guns International #: 101386978 Seller's Inventory #: CBP19-187
Category: Military Rifles - Antique - Civil War Carbines
Seller's Information
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Seller: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Company: Antique & Modern Firearms, Inc.
Member Since: 4/27/15
State: Kentucky
Zip: 40503
Country: United States
Phone: (859) 276-1419
Fax: (859) 278-0838
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 184
Total Number of Listings: 14865
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Visa,Master Card, Discover,Check
Description:
This is a very interesting and handsome Civil War Merrill cavalry carbine that appears to be 100% original, and comes complete with provenance and research by "The Horse Soldier Research Service" which identifies the soldier that was issued this very weapon. The J.H. Merrill company built a total of 12,500 of these Model 1863 breech-loading cap and ball carbines for service in the Civil War. While most of these carbines served with Union forces, a number of them were captured and used by the Confederate side as well. This particular example is a "2nd Model" Merrill Model 1863 serial number 12767 which comes with provenance showing that it was issued to a private William Curtis, a farrier in Company A of the 7th Indiana Cavalry during the Civil War. William Curtis from New York state enlisted on July 4th, 1863 and remained in service until July 22, 1865 when he was mustered out. According to the information we were provided, the 7th Regiment of the Indiana Cavalry was in action all over the southeast U.S. including Tennessee, Missisippi, Arkansas, Missouri, and Louisiana. They were involved in many small actions and battles listed in the paperwork provided. There is no doubt that this weapon was carried into combat during the American Civil War. As you can see from the pictures, this Model 1863 Merrill has a nice even patina from the muzzle to the butt. This carbine has not been "improved" or altered in any way, and all the original parts have obviously been together a long time. All of the numbered parts match with original factory-stamped numbers. The lock, barrel, and breech mechanism are all a nice dark gray-gray/brown from honest wear. The brass barrel band, triggerguard, and buttplate all show a beautiful mustard brown patina. The original American Walnut stock is in good condition overall for a combat-issued cavalry carbine, free from any major damage, cracks, or repairs. The wood shows lots of minor handling/use marks in the wood but no eyesores, and even the original U.S. Military inspector's initials cartouche is still visible on the left side of the stock just above the sling bar. You will also notice an "H" carved into the left side of the stock behind the sling bar, we are not sure what that represents. All of the original stock hardware in in place, intact, and in good condition, including the sling bar and ring used in single-point sling carry while on horseback. All of the controls on this Merrill are in perfect working order. The hammer still has both the half and full cock positions intact, and the patented breech-loading mechanism still has the copper in place on the "rammer", seems to function smoothly and properly, and locks up tight when closed. The bore in this Merrill Model 1863 still shows a lot of sharp rifling throughout the bore but does have some pitting mainly in the grooves, giving it a somewhat dark appearance. The provenance that comes with this Merrill is excellent, with many copies of the original service records for William Curtis between 1863 and 1865. One of the best documents is pictured below in this listing, a copy of Company "A" 7th Indiana Cavalry's weapon registry that shows the serial number of the Merrill carbine issued to William Curtis, serial number 12767. His record also shows he was issued a revolver at the same time and he signed for them both (highlighted). All in all, this is a very unique and historical original Civil War Union cavalry weapon with the rare added bonus of having provenance of whom actually carried it during the war. It isn't too often that such concrete information can be found on these Civil War weapons, and because of this it would be a superb addition to any Civil War carbine collection.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: J.H. Merrill
Model: Model 1863 (2nd Model)
Serial Number: 12767
Caliber Info: .54 Caliber Cap & Ball
Bore: Average
Manufacture Date: 1864