Original 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". 14,500 were made by J.H. Merrill of Baltimore for the Union Cavalry, mostly between 1863 and 1865. 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.

They were however available before the war started, so the Confederate forces also had some, and also would capture them when possible. The 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.

This fine example bears serial number 14280 on the breech lever, with a 1863 date on the tail of the lock plate. Offered in overall very good used condition, the lock plate still has the original patent markings, which are still crisp:

The top of the breech lever also still has the correct two line patent marking visible:

The breech components themselves all bear assembly number O / 40, even on the copper covered end of the breech plug. The beech end of the barrel is marked with the standard V / P / Eagle's Head proofs of the Civil War Era.

The metal components show an overall polished bright patina, with some areas of peppering and light staining. The carbine is complete, and still retains the 2 leaf rear sight, which does move but can get stuck in the short range position. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves, though it is definitely has wear and fouling in areas. The action still opens correctly, and locks into place, and the lock is functional, holding correct at half cock and firing at full. The cap nipple cone is present, however it is unfortunately broken off above the nut portion.

The saddle ring bar is still attached, with one ring, however this is a later style stock which does not have a patch box on the right side. The stock does show wear from cleaning, which has raised the grain overall, but we do not see any major cracks or other damage.

This is a very nice example of a rare and historical civil war capping breech loader carbine, and would be a great addition to any collection. Ready to display!

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: mid 1863
Caliber:  .54
Ammunition Type: Percussion Cartridge
Barrel Length: 21 inches
Overall Length: 37 inches
Action: Breech Rammer with Manual Percussion Hammer
Feed System: Single Shot

NOTE: 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.