This second type Merrill carbine is dated 1863 on the lock. The 22 1/8"" 54 caliber percussion barrel has a fair bore with strong rifling and scattered pitting throughout. The barrel has a smooth brown patina. The top of the action around the nipple is lightly pitted. The rounded button type breech latches have been replaced with a through screw and slotted nut. This functions perfectly. The lock is dated at the rear, has the small eagle stamp at the center, and J.H. MERRILL BALTO over PAT JULY 1858 over APR 9  MAY 21 26-61 at the front. The stock is very good with stable age cracka at the front of the lock, front of the sling bar extension, and center of the right butt. It has the expected issue dents and dings and it may have been slimmed slightly at the wrist as the tang sitts slightly high. There is a repaired crack on the right side of the wrist. Unusually, for a Merrill, the cartouche is present. The fine brass buttplkate has US stamped on the tang. The sling ring and bar are present. The action functions correctly. This is a good representtative example of a key Union Civil War Carbine.

AUSTIN LOCATION.