The carbine is ID'd by serial number 59622 listed in the National Archives as issued to Stanley, who joined the 18th NY Cavalry on 9/1/64, serving until May 1865. He was 42 years old when he enlisted!

This carbine showed examples of extensive field service; the walnut stock was cracked behind the saddle ring bar on left side & butt area of stock with small piece of wood worn through exactly where tube centers stock, again a 2"-3" old crack. This was a major design problem with these weapons as wood was thin at this point. Repairs were performed a number of years ago with the loading tube being replaced. Spencer markings weak on top of receiver. All metal smooth with light brown patina. Bore needs to be cleaned, lot of accumulated grime. Mechanically sound, lower sling swivel missing. No cartouche visible.

Accompanied by military records & page from ordnance records listing serial number issued to Stanley.

The 18th, known as the Corning Light Cavalry, was organized in the summer of 1863 at New York City for three years' service. The companies of which it was composed were largely recruited in New York City, though the counties of Albany, Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, Herkimer and Erie also contributed men. The various companies were mustered into the U. S. service at Staten island, Fort Columbus in N. Y. harbor, and Elmira, between July 18, 1863, and Feb. 3, 1864. The regiment left the state by detachments from Sept., 1863, to Jan., 1864. It was stationed in the defenses of Washington until Feb., 1864, when it was ordered to the Department of the Gulf and was there assigned to the 5th cavalry brigade, Arnold's division, 19th Corps.

It took part in the Red River campaign, in which it was repeatedly in action, meeting with its severest losses at Sabine cross-roads and at Yellow bayou. At the battle of Sabine cross-roads a squadron under Capt. William Davis was warmly engaged, fighting bravely, and losing 12 in killed, wounded and missing, and at Yellow bayou the regiment sustained a loss of 40, of whom 33 were reported missing. On its return from this expedition the regiment was stationed at La Fourche, La., until the following spring. Cos. A and F were on detached duty in Texas part of the year 1864. The regiment was active during this period at Morganza, Centerville and Franklin, La.; Parish Vico, Pattersonville, Rancho San Pedro and Clarksville, Tex.

It was dismounted in Jan., 1865, and in March was ordered to Bonnet Carre, La. After the close of hostilities the regiment was on duty in Mississippi and Texas until mustered out at Victoria, Tex., May 31, 1866. Its losses during service were 1 officer and 11 men killed and died of wounds; 2 officers and 202 men died of disease, accident, in prison, etc., the total number of deaths being 219. One officer and 23 men were drowned by the foundering of the steamer North America off the coast of Florida on Dec. 22, 1864. The only commissioned officer lost in action was 1st Lieut. Alvaro Hammond, who was killed at the battle of Sabine cross-roads.

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

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!