The Spencer .52 caliber, 8-shot metallic rimfire repeating carbine was invented and patented by Manchester, Connecticut native Christopher M. Spencer. Specimen presented here is an original example of that engineering design known as the Civil War Model or M1860 Spencer carbine. The US 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. This carbine in good, strong condition bears serial # 45415, weighs 8 lbs., 4 oz and has an overall length of 39”. All gunmetal exhibits no original colors but a smooth, dark gray-plum patina overall.  The carbine has a 22” long barrel fitted to a two-piece walnut stock / fore-end that is very good with just normal dings and dents overall. Handcarved initials “E C” on stock heel in front of the butt tang.  Rear sight with its sliding “V” notch elevation bar is stamped in increments to 800 yards. Front sight has its original brass blade worn almost flat and seated in its iron base.

The bore is semi-bright with few areas of light pitting. The original steel tubular magazine located in the buttstock is in very good condition. This component was used to store the seven, .56-.52 cal copper / brass rimfire metallic cartridges that fed the receiver.  Top flat on the receiver, forward of the hammer, is stamped with “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS / PAT’S MARCH 6, 1860” in three lines. All stampings are thin but readable. The strongly stamped serial # 45415 is located on the top of frame behind the hammer.  Carbine sling bar and sling ring are tightly attached to the left side of stock. A single cartouche is visible on the left side of stock.  Lock screws are in very good condition, not buggered.  Remaining metal surfaces of the carbine are dark plum and exhibit tiny pinprick rusting scattered about. Iron butt plate wears a mottled dark gray coloring. Carbine exhibits crisp, strong mechanics and retains its single sling swivel under the stock. [ra] [ph:L]

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