{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-j-h-merrill-m1858-2nd-model-saddle-ring-breech-loading-carbine-serial-14280","title":"Original U.S. Civil War J.H. Merrill M1858 2nd Model Saddle Ring Breech Loading Carbine - Serial 14280","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\". 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fine example bears serial number \u003cstrong\u003e14280\u003c\/strong\u003e on the breech lever, with a \u003cstrong\u003e1863\u003c\/strong\u003e 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:\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 21-28-61\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe top of the breech lever also still has the correct two line patent marking visible:\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 all bear assembly number \u003cstrong\u003eO \/ 40\u003c\/strong\u003e, even on the copper covered end of the breech plug. The beech end of the barrel is marked with the standard\u003cstrong\u003e V \/ P \/ Eagle's Head\u003c\/strong\u003e proofs of the Civil War Era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: mid 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":40259947757637,"sku":"ON13151","price":2495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ON13151__01.jpg?v=1660962643","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-j-h-merrill-m1858-2nd-model-saddle-ring-breech-loading-carbine-serial-14280","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}