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Rare Merrill Breechloading Rifle and Carbine Tool

Rare Merrill Breechloading Rifle and Carbine Tool

  • Product Code: FPTA-C148A-SOLD
  • Availability: Out Of Stock
  • $750.00


This is a FINE condition example of the very scarce combination tool for use with the Merrill patent breechloading percussion rifle and carbine. The tool combines a box end percussion cone wrench and a screwdriver. The rounded tool measures 1.47” in width (from cone end to screwdriver) and 1.23” in length from the rear edge of the tool’s spine to the end of the screwdriver. The tool is .4” wide, measuring across the widest part of its spine and is .20” thick, tapering toward the screwdriver tip which is .06” thick and .28” wide. The cone wrench measures .28” x.28” on its interior. The tool was designed to be carried in the patchbox of the rifles and carbines. As described on page 182 of Gun Tools Their History and Identification Volume 1 by James B. Shaffer, Lee A. Rutledge and R. Stephen Dorsey, the tool shows rough tool marks and has a blackened finish. The tool is completely unmarked, which is typical, although some are known with a punch dot that was probably a hardness test mark. Some 14,495 Merrill breechloading percussion carbines were produced circa 1858-1865, with an additional 800-1,000 Merrill breechloading percussion rifles being produced as well. The majority of both the carbines and rifles were delivered to the US Ordnance Department during the Civil War period. The tool remains in FINE condition, retaining most of the blackened finish and showing only some light wear and minor use. There are a couple of small spots of minor surface oxidation present, but these would likely disappear with a little light cleaning using some quality gun oil and a soft cloth. If you own a Merrill rifle or carbine, it is likely that you do not have this scarce accessory to display with your gun. These tools are rarely found for sale, so don’t miss your opportunity to acquire this one.


SOLD

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Tags: Rare, Merrill, Breechloading, Rifle, and, Carbine, Tool