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 #4792, was one of the approximately 11,000 produced between 1863 and 1864 and delivered to the army. 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 pitting. Rifling is strong. Features complete rear flip-up sight. The front blade site emanating from a socket bayonet lug is worn down. All gun metal is dark and exhibits wear and light surface pitting from use. On the top of the receiver is the three-line maker’s stamping “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON, MASS / PAT’D MARCH 6, 1860” with heavier pitting in this area. Serial number “4792” 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 color. The screw for the loading lever is an old replacement.

Barrel is mated to a black walnut two-piece stock. The wood surfaces show considerable use. The forearm has numerous dings, dents, and heavy wear but no cracks. The butt stock shows similar use and/or abuse. In addition, some ¼” brass tacks have been added to the left side behind the comb and there are two cracks of note. Both cracks run in line with the internal location of the tube magazine in the stock, which is common. One crack is on the top and runs from the back of the receiver almost to the comb. The other runs along the left side nearly 10” originating at the butt plate. No trace of government cartouche visible. Wood has original finish and patina.

This rifle came with a Civil War era brown buff leather sword belt and carbine cartridge box. These accompanying leather items show the same hard wear as the rifle. The belt is complete with 1851 rectangular, brass sword belt plate and matching keeper. Beautiful dark patina un the brass. The “Sam Brown” shoulder belt and sword hangers have been removed. Leather is slightly stiff. The carbine cartridge box is also of Civil War issue. A “US” infantry cartridge box plate was added and held in place with leather thong. Like the brass sword belt plate on the belt, this box plate has a great dark patina. Inner flap has “Pitman” maker’s stamp. One belt look is broken and the other shows heavy wear. The two roller buckles on the bottom were removed. The drilled wood block remains inside and still holds seven .50 caliber Spencer cartridges with “U” headstamp. Cartridge box shows extensive wear to the finish and edges of the leather.

A genuine Civil War Model 1860 Spencer Army rifle, belt, cartridge box, and cartridges that probably saw use in the Civil War and Indian Wars.   [jet]

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