3237 RARE MERRILL ALTERATION OF A US M1842 PERCUSSION

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 3,000.00 USD
Estimated at 6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
MUSKET. Cal. 69. NSN. Bbl. 42". This rare gun is an M1842 Harpers Ferry percussion musket with a Merrill alteration done in 1861 or 1862. There were a total quantity of 100 alterations to M1842 muskets done by James H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland. The alteration replaced the original tang/breech plug with the Merrill breech loading mechanism. Round barrel with iron blade sight integral with the front barrel band. The rear folding sight is fixed and adjustable for long distances. The breech is marked "PB / P" & "V / P / (eagle head)". The lock is marked "(eagle)" over "U.S." in front of the hammer, and "HARPERS FERRY 1853" to the rear of the hammer. Iron trigger guard, "US" marked buttplate, side plate, barrel bands, sling swivels, and ramrod. The Merrill alteration is stamped at the top "JAS. H. MERRILL BALTO. PATENTED JULY 1858.". Stock has inspectors' cartouche at the back of the side plate. Musket has an early but incorrect sling. CONDITION: barrel and other iron parts have been cleaned to a gray, frosty finish. Lock holds both full & half cock, and alteration functions very well. The front barrel band spring has a broken tip. The stock has a tight crack running from the back of the lock to the tang. Fair to good bore. (01-23176/BF). ANTIQUE. $6,000-9,000.