Serial number 1155, caliber 56-56 Spencer rimfire. This serial number falls within the serial range of those Army rifles used by Custer's Fifth Michigan Cavalry at Gettysburg according to Norm Flayderman's guide and the buyer of this rifle would be advised to do further research. The 30″ round barrel has strong six-groove rifling with some scattered light pitting. All of the metal has a light gray patina with most of the surfaces smooth, only the right side of the same showing scattered fine pitting. The top of the frame has the worn but legible manufacturer's marking "SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON, MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860." The flat on the right side of the barrel over the chamber has light impressions from a vise, the flat on the left side has military inspector's initials "S.L." The buttstock has inspector's initials "J.L.K." behind the lower tang. The forend has a repaired grain crack on the left side of the barrel channel behind the lower band. Both stocks have some extra added oil finish and show almost no wear with only tiny handling marks. The mechanism is complete and works well. This is a particularly attractive Spencer Rifle and it comes with an original unmarked bright steel socket bayonet with an 18″ blade that is in excellent condition. RR Auction COA.
