3039

Extremely Rare Jenks-Merrill Breech loading Percussion Carbine, One of Only 300 Produced

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 11,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare Jenks-Merrill Breech loading Percussion Carbine, One of Only 300 Produced
Originally produced by Jenks, this is one of 300 Jenks Carbines that were upgraded by James H. Merrill of Baltimore, Maryland, circa 1858 to 1860, as part of a practicality test for Merrill's combustible cartridge system. A single shot percussion breechloader, equipped with the same rear sight locking breech lever system used on the Merrill carbine. The top of the breech lever is marked " J.H. MERRILL BALTO. / PAT. JULY. 1858.", the lock behind the hammer is marked "N.P. AMES / SPRINGFIELD / MASS." and the top of the barrel at the breech is marked faintly "W. JENKS / USN / RC / P / 1845". Iron parts are brown with a brass trigger guard with a saddle ring mounted on the lower tang, brass barrel bands (2) and a brass buttplate. The front sight is a blade integral to the front barrel band and the rear sight has three folding leafs graduated to 500 yards. Full one piece straight grip stock with a flat buttplate.
BBL: 24-1/4 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 54 percussion
Finish: brown
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Fine, with most of the original brown finish, showing a dark smooth patina on the remainder, and the brass retaining most of the polished appearance, with a protective coat of lacquer overall. The stock is very good with scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. Mechanically very fine.