{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-j-h-merrill-m1858-1st-type-saddle-ring-breech-loading-cavalry-carbine-serial-2824","title":"Original U.S. Civil War J.H. Merrill M1858 1st Type Saddle Ring Breech Loading Cavalry Carbine - Serial 2824","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice single shot percussion breech loading Civil War Saddle Ring Carbine. As they use both a cap and a type of breech loaded cartridge, they are often referred to as \"capping breech loaders\". Somewhere around 14,500 were made by J.H. Merrill of Baltimore for the Union Cavalry, mostly between 1863 and 1865. The carbines were produced in two versions: First Type and Second Type. The First Type included a brass patch box in the stock and had the breech lever secured by a flat, knurled latch. The Second Type was produced without the patch box and had the breech lever secured with a rounded, button type latch. The majority of the carbines, something over 10,000 were of the First Type, with the Second Type coming in during July 1864 and accounting for about 4,100. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe breech loading design is somewhat unique: a breech loading percussion system with a large breech lever \/ loading rammer. Percussion cartridges were loaded, pushed forward into the breech by the rammer, and then ignited by a percussion cap. These carbines are known to have been allocated to the following Union cavalry regiments: NY 1st, 5th and 18th; Pennsylvania 11th, 17th, and 18th; NJ 1st; Indiana 7th; Wisconsin 1st and 3rd; Kentucky 27th; and finally the Delaware 1st. Breech loaders were also desirable in the South during the war, and Confederate forces would capture them when possible, as they did not have anywhere near the North's industrial capacity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fine example of the 1st type bears serial number \u003cstrong\u003e2824\u003c\/strong\u003e on the lock plate tail and the breech lever, and is very good used condition. It is a very early production model, made just after the first 25% of the 1st type, and has the correct brass patch box on the butt stock as well as the early knurled breech release catch. The lock plate still has the original markings, which are still easily legible, except for the last line, which is a bit worn:-\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ.H. MERRILL BALTO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAT JULY 1858.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAPL. 9. MAY 21-28-6\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e[1]\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top of the breech lever also still has a partial two line patent marking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJ.H. MERRILL BALTO.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePAT. JULY 1858\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe breech components themselves  bear assembly number \u003cstrong\u003e89\u003c\/strong\u003e, though the marking on the covered end of the breech plug has worn away. This is also stamped on the inside of the trigger guard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metal components of the carbine show a mottled steel patina, with some areas of past peppering visible on the overall polished light gray patina. We cannot see any areas of major past oxidation or pitting, just honest use and wear from service and age. The top of the barrel still has the rear sight intact with all three leaves, though they are definitely loose on the pivot pin. The action still opens correctly, and locks into place, and the lock is functional, holding correct at half cock and firing at full. The guide on the left side of the receiver for the breech ramming mechanism is still intact, as are the channels that allow it to be pulled out for cleaning only when at mid cycle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe checked the cleanout on the cap bolster, and it is still able to be removed easily for cleaning. The cap nipple cone channel is clear, as is the channel into the breech of the carbine. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves, and a bright finish. There definitely is wear, and it looks to be a carbine that saw a good amount of use, but was also properly cleaned after use. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe saddle ring bar is still attached, with one ring, and this early example has a brass cap box on the right side, which also has a space to store a spare nipple cone, which is still present. The walnut stock has a lovely red brown color, and does not show any major damage such as cracks or repairs, though it definitely does show wear. We can see marks on the left butt stock that are worn in from rubbing on the tack and harness of the horse the soldier was riding in service. The carbine saddle ring would be attached via a hook to a roller that goes through the carbine \"sling\" on the horse, which prevents the carbine from being dropped. The roller was made of steel, so it would wear into the stock, meaning this is a carbine that saw real cavalry use. There are also dents and dings, as expected from a carbine that saw long service, and there is a bit of minor chipping right on the nose of the stock. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a very early example of a rare and historical civil war capping breech loader carbine, and would be a great addition to any collection. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYears of Manufacture: 1863\u003cbr\u003eCaliber:  .54\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Percussion Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 21 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 37 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Breech Rammer with Manual Percussion Hammer\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Single Shot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42714907836485,"sku":"ONJR25APNS025","price":2295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR25APNS025__02.jpg?v=1746217715","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-j-h-merrill-m1858-1st-type-saddle-ring-breech-loading-cavalry-carbine-serial-2824","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}