We recently acquired a small collection of items that came from the family of Captain George W. Brown. Brown enlisted as a Private in Company K, 72^nd Indiana Infantry on July 23, 1862. He served with his company until he was sent to the hospital. While there he got an infection in his hand that left his right arm useless. Refusing to take a discharge Brown was assigned to the Quarter Master Department until he was sent home on recruiting duty in November of 1863. While on this duty he was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant and later to Captain. He was present in all the actions of 1864 and 1865 and was known to carry his right arm in a red silk handkerchief.

The 72^nd Indiana served as infantry until October of 1863 when as part of the Brigade of John Wilder they were made into mounted infantry. They were armed with Spencer rifles and moved fast hence the name “Lightning Brigade.” The regiment served throughout the Atlanta Campaign. Brown was either issued a carbine for some reason, or he acquired this weapon post-war.  In either event, this weapon came directly from Brown's family.

The Carbine offered here is in nice used condition. Carbine serial number is 18573; the number "1" is barely visible due to a nick.  We disassembled the gun and found the above number to be correct. The wood is dark. Wood surface exhibits only small scratches and dents consistent with age and use. One side of the butt has some light saddle wear. Back of butt has darkened iron butt plate with removable magazine. Magazine operates with ease. Hammer and receiver have darkened with age but there are still small amounts of case colors visible. Someone has cleaned the top of the receiver to reveal Spencer Patent stamping which is good. Lever action is good. Hammer holds at full cock but not at half. Back from the hammer where the receiver tang and wood stock meet there are two small areas of wood loss. These are very minor. The side opposite the hammer has saddle bar and ring but no Inspector’s cartouche. Forearm has three thin horizontal cracks, two on one side and one on the other. These are minor and none are longer than 2.00 inches. Barrel has proper rear sight. Surface of barrel has plumb patina. There are two horizontal scratches in the backside of the barrel just forward of the receiver this may have been caused by having had the weapon in a vice. Bore is very dirty and needs cleaned. There looks to be a spot of pitting halfway down the bore. Rifling is fair.  This is a nice looking weapon for its age and from a famous unit.

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