1st model Merrill

[plymouthairrifle]

Here are some photos of my Merrill. Serial #3173 is marked on the lock and on top of the lever. The carbine has an odd trigger guard that I have only seen on a couple other Merrills. I wonder how many were made with this guard.

It also has assembly numbers (1 over 10) on quite a few parts that I can see, patch box door, lever parts. She saw a lot of action but I like her!

 

[JOHN42768]

Very nice. Here is trigger guard on my 1st model #4396

 

[JOHN42768]

Member ewmail15 is doing research on Merrill. I'm guessing Eric will contact you

 

[WJC]

Both beautiful pieces! Thanks for sharing!

 

[ewmail15]

Wes, could you send me a hi-res of the trigger guard pic, plus another showing the fit of the trigger plate to the stock? Of close to 400 Merrills I've captured this year, none have that raised platform coming off of the trigger plate. I'd have to say the plate is not original. Hi-res photos of all areas of the Merrill would be nice for my website, including the assembly number on the underside of the plunger arm, on the plunger copper face, underside of the band.

I checked my Merrill conversions, and darn if I didn't find your trigger plate - a Harpers Ferry. Example attached is of an 1841/48.

Eric ([email protected])

 

[plymouthairrifle]

Here is another Merrill rifle with the odd trigger guard. I found several rifles with this trigger guard but no other carbines.

 

[plymouthairrifle]

One more Merrill rifle with the odd trigger guard.

 

[UCVRelics]

Thanks for posting. I believe that the odd trigger guard was only on the rifles for the sling. Is there any chance that the barrel has been cut-down?

 

[Jobe Holiday]

Did anybody notice the "Fayetteville" type hammer on the previous photo of the Merrill with a trigger guard with sling swivel on the bow?
J.

 

[ewmail15]

All Merrill rifles have that trigger guard with the sling. Yours is a carbine, and none ever had that guard. Yours is not original. Remove the trigger plate screws and you'll see...