1860 Spencer Repeating Rifle

[Larrygaskill]

I have a spencer rifle. Serial # 6184. I had an ancestor who served 3 years in the In 17th mounted infantry (Wilders Brigade)
Any possible record of where this rifle was assigned?

 

[UCVRelics]

We would love to see photos of it to include the serial # and the makers marks. Then we can see what we are dealing with as far as seeing if its listed in the SRS which will tell when and what unit its was issued. Be advised that not all weapons are listed but its a good start.

 

[Larrygaskill]

Here are some images I have of my 1860 Spencer. Thanks

 

[Michael W.]

Did you purchase this Spencer or was it handed down in the family?

 

[Larrygaskill]

I purchased through Dave Taylor civil war antiques. Many years ago. I requested a Spencer that could have been used by the Brigade. No other proofs or lineage.

 

[johan_steele]

I envy you, a nice Spencer representative of those used by Wilders Brigade.

 

[cwbuff]

From Springfield Research Service, your rifle is bracketed by these 2 rifles:
SN 6182 issued to 72nd Indiana, Co. A on 15 May 1863
SN 6199 issued to 72nd Indiana, Co. B on 15 May 1863

 

[UCVRelics]

Very Nice Spencer rifle. Thanks for sharing it with us. One thing to keep in mind with the SRS data is that if its not listed, its not listed.

 

[Dusty]

Very nice rifle, I am always happy for someone who owns one of these treasured rifles.

 

[Seduzal]

Thanks for sharing this rifle.. with a little care it will last for ever..

 

[unionblue]

@Larrygaskill ,

What a piece of history to own!

Envy does not even come close to my feelings at this moment.

You are indeed very fortunate to own such a valuable bit of the past.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Sincerely,
Unionblue

 

[byron ed]

The thing about the Spencer is: It's an elegant example of efficient engineering; it has a refined and balanced visual appearance in an artistic sense; and it's a significantly interesting historical artifact for its use of shelled ammo and being a repeater -- "state of the art" for the period we are interested in.

In one sense, it seems to me this arm is not so completely outclassed as a combat weapon that it wouldn't yet today be effective in some limited patrol scenarios (I don't mean the antique, but the design produced as new), in that the caliber is a body stopper. But I'm not a veteran, just a pretender, so if anybody has a more experienced outlook on that...

 

[Story]

From Springfield Research Service, your rifle is bracketed by these 2 rifles:
SN 6182 issued to 72nd Indiana, Co. A on 15 May 1863
SN 6199 issued to 72nd Indiana, Co. B on 15 May 1863

@Larrygaskill

If you run the word "Spencer" in the internal document search bar, you'll find a plethora of references to those rifles. Seems to start at Chapter XIX (p.108).

History of the 72d Indiana volunteer infantry of the mounted lightning brigade... especially devoted to giving the reader a definite knowledge of the service of the common soldier, with an appendix containing a complete roster of officers and men

https://archive.org/details/historyof72dindi00mcge/page/n6

 

[cwbuff]

This is a photo of one of Wilder's men mounted with his Spencer rifle slung on the left side of his saddle. Look for saddle ridge wear on the stock of your rifle on the right side between the lower barrel band and the receiver. This would indicate use by mounted infantry. If you find any post a pic.

 

[Deleted User CS]

Thanks for sharing your very interesting historical collectibles. David.

 

[Larrygaskill]

@Larrygaskill

If you run the word "Spencer" in the internal document search bar, you'll find a plethora of references to those rifles. Seems to start at Chapter XIX (p.108).

History of the 72d Indiana volunteer infantry of the mounted lightning brigade... especially devoted to giving the reader a definite knowledge of the service of the common soldier, with an appendix containing a complete roster of officers and men

https://archive.org/details/historyof72dindi00mcge/page/n6

Thanks for providing this information most interesting