Marvelous Civil War Model 1860 Spencer Carbine, serial number 31182. The Spencer 52 caliber, 7-shot metallic cartridge, repeating carbine was invented and patented by Christopher M. Spencer, a native of Manchester, Connecticut. Designed for cavalry use but not issued to Federal horse soldiers until October 1863, this weapon system proved to be one of the most successful and sought after firearm of the Civil War. This particular carbine specimen presented here is a fine, original example of that engineering design known as the Civil War Model or Model 1860 Spencer carbine. The US government contracted for a total of over 95,000 Spencer carbines during the war with 65,000 made at Spencer's Boston, MA factory and 30,000 of the weapons made at the Burnside Rifle Company in Rhode Island.
This weapon, in excellent, strong condition, bears serial # 31182, weighs 8 lbs, 4 oz and has an overall length of 39". Lockplate was casehardened and exhibits a smooth, dark chocolate-plum colored patina overall. The M1860 Spencer carbine has a 22" long barrel fitted to a two piece walnut stock / fore-end that has a fine appearance. Original forend does exhibit a darker section of wood along the reverse edge at the barrel. Fine rear sight with its sliding 'V' notch elevation bar stamped in increments to 800 yards. Front sight has its original brass blade seated in its iron base. The bore is strong and bright with sharp land and groove rifling but does show a few areas of light pitting. Buttstock is in very good condition and displays normal dings and scratches from use and storage. The steel tubular magazine located in the buttstock is in excellent condition. This component was used to store the seven, 56-52 cal copper / brass rimfire metallic cartridges that fed the receiver. When the operating lever was worked, the magazine would feed a new cartridge forward into the breech. Top flat on the receiver, forward of the hammer, is stamped with "SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS / PAT'S MARCH 6, 1860" in three lines. All stampings are readable but a bit thin near the center.
The strongly stamped serial number is located on the top of frame near the hammer. Carbine sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock. Fine cartouche is visible on the stock. Hand carved initials "D.B." scratched into the stock at the lockplate. Lock screws are in very good condition. Remaining metal surfaces of the carbine are dark plum and exhibit tiny pinprick rusting scattered about. Iron butt plate is strong and wears a mottled dark gray coloring. Carbine exhibits crisp, strong mechanics. Carbine still retains its sling swivel under the stock. Includes three examples of .52 cal. Spencer cartridges, displayed in a Riker box along with information about the Spencer Carbine. This Civil War Model 1860 Spencer carbine is an excellent representative weapon used by the Federal cavalry in the Civil War and would highlight any military equestrian display or weapons collection.
