hi,
just came across your post,..... do you know if there are any records of the serial numbers for any of these merrill rifles, as to which units they went to? i just got a martial pistol, probably made in the 1830's to 1840's, and someone had taken off the original lock, and put on a merrill's lock. looks like it's the same size as the rifle ones, not sure how or why,... looks like they just wanted to put something on there "that fit". it has the serial number 1515 stamped at the back of the lock. it is marked like the ones you mention, j.h. merrill, balto, next line pat. july 1858, then API S MAY 21 - 25, 61.
any info would be greatly appriciated!
thanks!
ted