I guess we don't realise that Merlin Cycles of Leyland, that has played such a significant part in British mountain biking, is understandably unknown outside the UK. The frame is just called a Merlin WCS and I would guess that this example is from c1996.
I have a test of one here in Total Bike Nov 98. It easily won the group test "What else can we say, this bike is magic". The frame weight was 4.1lbs, which bears out your impression that your frame is very light.
I'd be interested to know the serial number of your frame. The only other one I have seen had a number in exactly the same format as Kona Explosifs and Kilaueas built in the Giant factory at Hodaka, so it's quite possible that's where Merlin get their frames built.
I have a test of one here in Total Bike Nov 98. It easily won the group test "What else can we say, this bike is magic". The frame weight was 4.1lbs, which bears out your impression that your frame is very light.
I'd be interested to know the serial number of your frame. The only other one I have seen had a number in exactly the same format as Kona Explosifs and Kilaueas built in the Giant factory at Hodaka, so it's quite possible that's where Merlin get their frames built.