This famous longarm is a Civil War Model 1860 Spencer Repeating rifle in very good original condition. Initial army contracts with the Spencer Company of Boston, Massachusetts called for 10,000 repeating firearms at a cost of $40.00 each. This specimen, serial #5243, was one of the approximately 11,000 produced between 1863 and 1864. Rifle is a .52 caliber rimfire longarm that used the “No. 56” Spencer rimfire cartridge.

Rifle measures 47” overall with a 30” round barrel that features six-groove rifling. Bore is clean with scattered light pitting. Rifling is strong. Features rear flip-up sight and front blade site emanating from a socket bayonet lug. All gun metal exhibits use and wear and light pitting. On the receiver the three-line maker’s stamping “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON, MASS / PAT’D MARCH 6, 1860” is no longer visible on top. Serial number “5243” is visible at rear of receiver. Mechanically perfect. Butt plate, tube magazine, sling swivels, nose cap, barrel bands, and band springs all here and show similar wear and appear semi bright.

Barrel is mated to a black walnut two-piece stock. The forearm has had a 1” x 1” chip repaired just in front of the receiver on right side. No trace of government cartouche visible. Wood has original finish with beautiful patina and depth of color. Wood surface show dings and wear commensurate with use and age. There is a thin, old crack extending about 5” from the receiver on left side of butt stock.

This rifle is identified by serial number as being issued to Madison Pierce who served in the 1^st Kentucky Cavalry. Pierce enlisted on January 8, 1863 and was mustered out of service September 30, 1865. The regiment saw extensive service. Pierce spent time in an army hospital at some point. His post-war pension records detail lung problems he suffered from as a result of being out in the elements.  Two folders of military and pensions records come with the rifle.

A nice, identified Civil War Model 1860 Spencer Army rifle.   [jet]

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!