23. Merrill Model 1863 Breechloading Rifle

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Lever/serial #14337 .54 cal. percussion, 33" barrel with a bright excellent bore. Iron surfaces are a lightly cleaned pewter-gunmetal gray patina with some scattered very minor pitting on the lockplate with hammer showing minor cleaning marks. Lockplate features "Merrill" with Baltimore address and patent dates along with a small American Eagle with the rear of the plate dated 1863. Breech lever is a rich plum patina while frame beneath shows nice original case colors. Stock rates good plus to near very good showing an old light cleaning and softened edges with a crack from sideplate to the left side of the tang. This is a late production model with button style latch release. An interesting and very scarce breechloading percussion rifle with a total production of just over 800. (3405-12) {ANTIQUE} (2000/3000) SOLD FOR $2990.00