This handsome weapon is a Model 1860 Spencer Army Repeating rifle that was altered post-war at the National Armory at Springfield, Mass. Civil War Spencer repeating arms became the primary US cavalry shoulder arm after the war and as they became unserviceable, both carbines and rifles were returned to Springfield for ‘refurbishing’ or ‘alteration’. The process bored out the old .52 caliber barrel and inserted a reinforced rifle sleeve in the new .50 caliber (.56-50). These ‘reinforced’ Spencer weapons produced higher velocity and greater accuracy for the troops. Ordnance Dept. records indicate that some 12,000 Spencer Army rifles were altered at the Springfield facility between 1866 and 1874 and bore the characteristics as found in this fine condition Spencer rifle specimen, serial # 457. The rifle, which exhibits no remnants of old case hardening has the armory ‘Stabler’ cutoff device forward of the trigger. Top plate of the receiver frame exhibits the clear, original makers address of “SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE / PAT’D MARCH 6, 1860 / MANUF’D AT PROV. R. I. / BY BURNSIDE RIFLE Co. 1865”.

Barrel measures 31” long, weighs a little over 9 pounds and exhibits a shiny bright bore with the altered three-groove rifling. Retains both iron swivels, one at the toe and other at the upper barrel band. Black walnut stock, as well as the forearm, has been armory refinished. One light cartouche visible on the left side stock at the wrist. Stock bears just a few dings and scuffs as normal with use and age. One characteristic of an altered Spencer shows the hammer and frame to have rounded edges to facilitate insertion of the single cartridge when the cut-off device used. Rifle retains the sling bar and sling ring. Barrel retains the original folding rear sight and the blade front sight but has no bayonet lug at the muzzle. Steel ramrod has the slotted knurled tip. A very fine, good looking Springfield Armory altered Spencer Repeating Rifle with the Stabler cutoff device.

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