This repeating, M1860 Spencer .52 caliber, 56-56 metallic cartridge carbine was invented and patented by Manchester, Connecticut native Christopher M. Spencer. Designed for cavalry use but not issued to Federal horse soldiers until October 1863, it proved to be the most successful and sought-after firearm of the Civil War.

This original war carbine with its six-groove rifling bears serial # 20378 and has an overall length of 39” and weighs 8 lbs., 4 oz. Carbine shows alterations and experimental improvements that were executed by the Springfield Armory sometime after the war. Among the improvements this carbine features is a thick, heavy, cartridge guide, a rounded frame opening, a beveled hammer nose, a rounded receiver top surface, and a different rear sight as used on M1865 and M1867 carbines. Interestingly, there is no Stabler cut-off switch. The once casehardened receiver now exhibits a smooth, pleasing, chocolate-plum colored patina overall.

In very good, strong condition, this carbine has a 22” long barrel fitted to its two-piece walnut buttstock / fore-end. Barrel has its original brass blade front sight and a folding rear sight secured by a curved spring. Rear sight with its sliding “V” notch elevation bar is stamped in increments to 800 yards. The bore with six lands and grooves shows moderate pitting. Should clean up to good condition. Original fore-end is tight and strong. No cartouches visible on wrist.

Unique to this weapon is its tubular magazine located in the buttstock for storing and feeding the .56-.56 cal rimfire metallic cartridges to the receiver. Magazine held seven copper / brass bullets and when the operating lever was worked, the magazine would feed the cartridge forward into the breech. Top flat of the receiver, forward of the hammer, is stamped with “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS / PAT’S MARCH 6, 1860” in three lines but the stampings though visible, are very thin from wear. Serial # is located at the rear of the breech near the hammer. Carbine sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock. Screws are in very good condition, not buggered up. Other metal surfaces of the carbine appear dusky dark plum gray and exhibit just scattered pinprick rusting. Iron butt plate wears a mottled dark gray coloring. Magazine tube heavily rusted along the bottom with a spring that appears to be much fatigued. Carbine exhibits crisp, strong mechanics and retains its iron swivel ring under the stock.

An altered, Civil War Model 1860 Spencer carbine and the perfect adder to any cavalry display or military weapons collection.

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