1860 Spencer? serial number

[rschadel]

Hello All,
I am new here and look forward to the many topics of discussion.
I have what I was told is a Spencer model 1860 rifle. There are very few readable markings. At the top of the receiver, were the Spencer etc stamping normally is only "cer" can be read. At the rear of receiver the number 41004 can be read.
The over length of rifle is 39" with a 20" round barrel.
While I was told this is model 1860, I have also been told it is a model 1865. Any info or insight would be greatly appreciated.
I plan on this being a display item and would like accurate info to put on a brass nameplate.
Thank you and best regards,
Rick

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[UCVRelics]

If you could post some photos we can take a look and see just which model you have. The 20 inch barrel tells e its a model 1865. Looking forward to seeing your Spencer.

 

[JOHN42768]

1860 would be a 22" barrel and 1865 would be 20'. 1860 .52 cal. and 1865, .50 cal. Post photos for members to comment

 

[Cornpone and Molasses]

Welcome. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos as well.

 

[rschadel]

Hello,
Here are a few pics, I tried to get the serial number and receiver markings, but they did not show up well.

 

[JimW]

Beveled hammer, Stabler cutoff, 1865 model

 

[bobinwmass]

With a serial number of 41004, I would expect it to be a Model 1860, likely with the newer hammer and stabler cut-off added as a post-war alteration. According to my old Flayderman's, the Spencer made Model 1865's only go to around serial number 23000, while the Burnside made 1865's go to around 34000. I also suspect the barrel may have been measured wrong, as if I remember correctly, a couple inches of barrel extends into the receiver, under the Spencer markings. I remember measuring my 1860 carbine incorrectly many years ago, before eventually selling it.

 

[JimW]

Ah, I hadn't thought of that, but I see, like this one:

https://www.horsesoldier.com/products/firearms/carbines/22614

 

[bobinwmass]

Ah, I hadn't thought of that, but I see, like this one:

https://www.horsesoldier.com/products/firearms/carbines/22614

Yes, after the Civil War many of the Model 1860's (around 11000 per Flayderman) still in Federal service were refinished and altered in 1867-1868, the barrel being resleeved to use the newer and smaller .50 caliber bullet, the Stabler cut-off added, and hammer changed out. The resleeved barrel should have 3 grooves, and these arsenal refinished guns should have an ESA cartouche, if still visible. The receiver markings on these refinished guns are often weak.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

The hammer is a model 1865 hammer and the rear sight is a model 1865 resr sight. But that doesn't mean this is a model 1865 because these all interchange and could haven been replaced on a rebuilt model 1860!