This handsome breechloader is an original M1860 Civil War Spencer Repeating rifle that belonged to Private David Friar of the 7^th Independent Company, Ohio Sharp Shooters. Twenty-eight year old Friar enlisted in the company in the fall of 1862 at Camp Chase, Ohio for a term of three years. Friar served with his unit all thru the war, including action during the Battle of Chickamauga, GA. He served until July 28, 1865 when he was mustered out of service. Organized at Camp Cleveland, OH. on Jan 23, 1863, the 7^th Ohio S/S remained attached to the headquarters of Generals Rosecrans and Thomas, Commanding Army and Dept of the Cumberland from March 1863 thru May 1865 with duty as Sharp Shooters and as Provost Guards. It later was detached to serve under General Sherman as his body-guard while he was Commanding Military Division, Mississippi during the Atlanta Campaign from May 1864 to July 17, 1865. The 7^th Company mustered out of service on July 28, 1865 at Camp Chase, OH.

Friar’s Model 1860 Spencer Army rifle, produced in the 1863-1864 time frame, carries serial #2561 and is identified to the soldier via his unit’s ordnance records included. The .52 caliber rifle weighs ten pounds and used the 56-56 Spencer rimfire cartridge. Rifle measures 47” overall with a 30” round barrel that features six-groove rifling. Barrel, receiver and butt plate have all been cleaned and exhibit no original coloring. Does show scattered areas of light pinprick rusting along with few dark oxidation spots overall. Barrel is mated to a black walnut two-piece stock with the barrel muzzle fitted for the angular type bayonet. Retains its original blade type front sight. Bore is clean and will clean up to shiny bright. Rifle receiver frame stampings clear and sharp and exhibit the maker address of “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS. / PAT’D MARCH 6, 1860.”. Rifle retains both iron swivels, one at the toe and other at the middle barrel band. Right cheek of the black walnut stock exhibits a small, ¾” long, arrowhead device inlay of mother of pearl. Another small, mother of pearl ring, ¼” dia, is inlaid at the stock near the hammer. Wood surface exhibits normal dings, dents and scuff marks from use and age. Rifle not fitted for a sling bar or sling ring. Barrel retains the original folding rear sight graduated to 800 yards. Mechanics strong and crisp.

A very fine, unaltered original Civil War M1860 Spencer Repeater army rifle. David Friar’s military and pension records from the National Archives in Washington D.C. accompany this fine Civil War Spencer Rifle specimen.

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