This weapon has a tough to find gun with a fantastic look all over! It is an original Civil War Merrill patent rifle. In Flayderman's guide he states that there were only approximately 800 of these rifles made compared to the Merrill carbine that they made 14,495 of. The serial numbers of these rifles are intermingled with the carbine serial numbers. The U.S. Government purchased 770 of these rifles. The largest single issue of these arms was to the 21st Indiana Infantry, with smaller numbers issued to the 7th & 10th Michigan Infantry, 4th Arkansas Infantry, and the 1st Massachusetts Infantry. There are very few surviving and in my 35+ years in the business, I have only been able to offer four of them. This is the classic style that was carried during the Civil War. This is the earlier style that is easily distinguished by the lack of an eagle on the lockplate. It has the matching serial numbers of 7,247 on the lockplate and the breech cover just as it should. As for the gun you can tell that it was well preserved and has a beautiful amount of the original factory case colorations. The lock mechanics work crisply on all positions. On the side of the lockplate it has the factory markings of "J.H. MERRILL BALTO. PAT. JULY 1858 APL. 9 MAY 21-28-61". The rear sight that doubles as the clip that holds the breech lever in place is present and this is almost always missing or replaced. It still has both of the two leafs remaining on the rear sight. On this breech lever it has the correct marking still visible of "J.H. MERRILL BALTO. PAT JULY 1858." The brass on the barrel bands, triggerguard and buttplate all have a golden patina all over. On these rifles, the barrel bands are secured in place by the retailer push buttons springs that are secured by a single screw. On the front side of the stock it still has the brass patchbox that still opens and closes. Inside the patchbox, it has a replacement nipple and a tool. The barrel is full-length at 33 inches with the original front sight intact. If you notice, these rifles has a neat style of barrel band retainer and both of these are present. They fire a bullet of .54 caliber. At the end of the barrel on the right hand side, it has the lug where it would have utilized a saber style bayonet. The stock has a beautiful furniture grade look to the walnut wood. On the flat of the stock, opposite of the lockplate, it has the "ZB" cartouche stamp of the inspector, Zaddock Butt. This is a fine looking gun that is better than most of the survivors and is truly a gun that you seldom get a chance to own.

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Terms of Sale

All items are described to the best of our ability. Remember that the only true experts died 100 years ago. If we make a mistake we will make it right. It is always best to call and reserve an item as most of them are unique. We do out best to keep the web-site up-to-date but sometimes items sell out of the office or at a show and aren't removed immediately. After you place your order and receive confirmation from Shiloh Relics. The item will be held for 7 days for the payment to arrive. If payment is not received within 7 days the item will be placed back for sale. Please call between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM Central Time. A minimum charge of $10.00 will be added to cover shipping. Items can be shipped UPS or USPS Priority Mail. Tennessee residents must include 9.75% sales tax. All items are 100% GUARANTEED. If for any reason you are unhappy with the relic just return it UNALTERED within 5 days for a refund minus shipping charges and restocking fee of 6%. Layaways can be arranged on items over $100. Layaway terms are; 1/3 down and 1/3 in 30 days with balance due in full in 60 days. Due to time factors there are no refunds or price discounts on layaways. Only 1 item may be in lay-a-way at a time unless approved by Shiloh Relics. We reserve the right to refuse service to rude people. We are always buying and trading so feel free to make an offer. Thanks for stopping by! Rafael & Catherine Eledge, Owners of ShilohRelics.com.

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I guarantee all my items to be authentic and as described. All items are Guaranteed to be Authentic without time limit to the original purchaser for the price purchased as long as the item is accompanied by the original receipt or bill of sale.

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