Presented is an excellent example of a M1865 Spencer Repeating carbine, a.k.a. the Contract Model 1865 Spencer. Designed almost identical to the Civil War Model 1860 repeating carbine, this carbine was one of 30,500 such arms contracted and produced post war by the Burnside Rifle Company of Providence, RI. Not considered a Civil War model, this 1865 Spencer repeating 7-shot carbine used a 56-50 rimfire (.50 cal) metallic cartridge as compared to the 56-52 rimfire cartridge used in the Civil War.  Engineered with a 20” long barrel fitted with three-groove rifling, the M1865 carbine employed the controversial ‘Stabler cut-off’ device to make the carbine into a single shot weapon. Two other differences from the M1860 carbine vs the M1865 shortarm were its beveled hammer nose and the rounded receiver top surface.

Barrel has a modified, raised brass blade front sight and its original the rear sight with its sliding “V” notch elevation bar. Faint traces of original case colors remain some scattered area of the gunmetal. A pleasing mottled gray colored patina rests on the frame and receiver while the barrel exhibits a smooth dark gray / blue coloring that has aged nicely. Both sides of the metal receiver frame shows light pinprick rusting patches. The strong bore exhibits dusty, semi-bright rifling; would clean to bright. Stamped on the top flat of the frame at the breech is “MODEL 1865” above the maker’s mark “SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE / PATENTED MARCH 6, 1860 / MANUF’D AT PROV. R. I. / BY BURNSIDE RIFLE Co.” A government sub-inspector’s mark “JLC” sits on the left side facet. Other sub-inspector marks are visible on various other major components.

In excellent condition, this M1865 carbine has a two piece walnut stock / fore-end.  Walnut stock is very good and shows normal dings, scratches and light indentations resulting from wear and use. Stock also features two, fine original government cartouches stamped on the reverse side just behind the sling bar. Stock never cleaned. Original fore-end is tight and strong with just normal marks from use. Serial # (30531) is at the rear of the frame near the hammer. Original carbine sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock. Lock screws are original with no buggering. Iron butt plate and tube magazine are strong and tight and both wear a mottled dark plum / gray coloring. Cartridge tube is original and in fine condition, not dented, with strong spring. Carbine exhibits crisp, strong mechanics and retains its iron swivel ring on the toe under the stock.

This M1865 Spencer carbine is a very fine representative shortarm used by the Federal cavalry after the Civil War. An excellent addition to highlight any military equestrian display or weapons collection.

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!