James Merrick

This James Merrick rifle is similar to most other Hampshire County style rifles of the period. To date this is the only rifle we have seen made by Merrick. The stock is plain maple with a limited figure. The hardware needed to finish the stocking was easily procured at most hardware stores. However, the one bolt lock appears to be handmade by Merrick.  Merrick probably made the thimbles and patch box as well.  The rifle also has a cap box on the cheek side of the gun. It looks like an afterthought since its construction is fairly crude. The barrel is 42 inches long by 15/16" straight octagon and about .42 caliber with forged percussion bolster. Signed on top of rifle barrel in bold block letters James Merrick. 

Circa 1850

                                                                             

                                        Signed in Block Letters James Merrick

In the 1810 Minutes book for Jefferson County, John Merrick was bound to gunsmith Jacob Sheetz to learn the art of gunsmithing.  This may be gunsmith John Jacob Sheetz.  We need further evidence to confirm that this John Merrick could be James. But seems to be a fit.  James Merrick was an armorer at Harpers Ferry Arsenal in 1830, 1840 & 1850.  He may have worked there after that, but we are unable to find any census records with him after 1850.  We do see him on the personal property tax list as late as 1868.  His son Shadrack, born in 1829, worked at the arsenal, and so did his son James, born in 1827. It is possible that James Jr could be the maker of this rifle.  James Jr moved to New Haven, Connecticut, and worked at Winchester Repeating Arms until he died in 1913. 

The study of the American Long Rifle is continuous, and hopefully, we will find more information on James Merrick Gunsmith and the maker of this rifle. 

JDM & BMS