The Spencer .52 caliber, repeating carbine was invented and patented by Manchester, Connecticut native Christopher M. Spencer. This Civil War weapon is a good example of the 1st Model Spencer seven-shot carbine without any of the modifications that were added later in the war. The U.S. 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. The first Spencer carbine contract to the government was July 13, 1863 and the first delivery was made to the Ordnance Dept on October 3 of that same year.

This carbine bears a serial #17768 and has an overall length of 39”. All gunmetal wears a smooth, gray patina with small amounts of mottling and very little pitting.

Carbine has a 22” long round barrel that has a pleasing gray finish. Barrel has the original folding rear sight and small brass blade front sight. Bore is clean with good rifling. Barrel is held to the forearm of the stock by a single barrel band.

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. Stamping is very readable. Receiver, triggerguard and hammer all show a uniform gray appearance with the very small amounts of pinprick pitting. Action works well.

Oiled walnut stock / forend is in good condition with normal dings, dents and wear overall from service. Wood shows signs of having been lightly cleaned. Left side has two faint cartouche marks. Stock shows no cracks.

The original, steel, tubular loading magazine located in the buttstock is in good, undented condition. Spring is strong and magazine fits in the shoulder stock but can become loose due to a weak retaining pin spring. The carbine sling bar and ring are tightly attached to the stock’s left side. Screws are in good condition but show light wear. Iron butt plate matches the rest of the metal on the weapon. Carbine retains its single sling swivel under the stock near the toe.

Overall a nice looking, clean, Spencer.  [AD]

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