Included in this lot is a Civil War era Merrill .54 caliber single shot carbine. The carbine was a single-shot, percussion, breechloader used mainly by Union cavalry units during the American Civil War. The Merrill Carbine used a very unique falling block mechanism, not at all similar in operation to that of the Sharps rifle. The main feature of this mechanism was the long lever arm which, when pulled, would open the breech via a spring loaded latch system. The Merrill would fire the paper cartridge using a percussion lock mechanism. The barrel was fitted with a single post front sight and an adjustable rear sight The breech lever is marked “J.H. MERRILL BALTO./ PAT. JULY 1858”.This carbine used the new minie ball which was .54 caliber and was fired from a paper cartridge.Serial Number: 18916. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.