Merrill / Jenks Pattern Breech Loading Rifle

$1,100.00

1 in stock

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SKU: RIF 301 Categories: ,

Description

Merrill / Jenks Pattern Breech Loading Rifle

 

Scarce breech‑loading rifle manufactured in Baltimore and marked on the lock “J.H. Merrill Balto.” with patent dates referencing the early Civil War period.

 

This rifle represents one of several innovative breech‑loading systems developed in the United States during the 1850s and early 1860s as designers attempted to improve rate of fire and ease of loading over traditional muzzle‑loading arms.

 

The barrel features a side lug for mounting a saber bayonet. Steel components show a dark aged patina with scattered moderate pitting throughout. Brass furniture including the patchbox, buttplate, trigger guard and barrel bands display a rich yellow‑brown patina developed over time. The breech plug is sheared and stuck in the bore it sheared loose.  With some TLC the gun would be a great display example of a scarce high end rifle.

 

Examples of early American breech‑loading military rifles such as this illustrate the technological experimentation occurring just prior to the widespread adoption of repeating arms.

 

Early American breechloaders such as the Merrill and Jenks family of arms represent the intense pre-Civil War search for faster, more efficient military shoulder weapons. Although eventually overshadowed by the Sharps, Spencer, and later repeaters, these arms remain important milestones in the evolution away from the traditional muzzle-loader. Their unusual mechanisms and comparatively limited production make them especially desirable today.

 

Inventory Number: RIF 301

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