1865 Burnside Spencer Carbine

[foxfirerodandgun]

Hi everyone. I live in the Petersburg, Va. area and am a member of SCV Camp 167 / A.P. Hill. I recently acquired a 1865 Spencer Carbine with the serial number of 36**. From my research I understand that it was produced in 1865 and am doubtful if it actually was used in the actual War of Northern Aggression. I does not have the Stabler cut of device. My question is what year would this Spencer been produced. Many thanks for any information that someone would care to share.

James

 

[russdustus]

Good question. From what I've read, Burnside Ironworks stopped producing the Burnside Carbine in 1864 in favor of the Spencer or Sharps carbine, I can't remember which. Supposedly, Burnside retooled the factory to produce the other carbine. Spencer and Sharps carbines are more expensive than Burnsides. Thus, they are worth more today.

 

[Patrick H]

Hi, James. What I know about these carbines wouldn't fill a thimble but I do enjoy reading about them. If you'd care to post a picture or two of your carbine, I'd sure like to see it. Congratulations on acquiring it.

 

[johan_steele]

Burnside stopped manufacture of the Burnside carbine and retooled to manufacture the Spencer. Burnsides first delivery was in early 65 with few seeing combat during the War of Rebellion.

They would continue in US service until the early 1870's. Many were sold to France in 1870 & would remain in Drench Army inventory through War 1. Had Spencer remained a viable company the Spencer might well have been adopted by the French Army.

The Spencer was popular and well liked for its simplicity and reliability.

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

What's the war of northern aggression?

 

[kevikens]

If I may intrude a bit on this posting. I, too, have an M1865 Spencer. Though I never intend to shoot the gun I always like to have a few dummy cartridges to put on display near my firearms. This particular carbine will not chamber the .56-50, either older originals or newly manufactured brass. Does anyone know the proper terminology for the cartridge designed for this model and where I might be able to get a few of the cartridges, repro or original, that will chamber in this carbines? Thanks

 

[Private Watkins]

What's the war of northern aggression?

What's the "War for the Union"?

Personally I prefer "The Late Unpleasantness"...

 

[Private Watkins]

Is yours similar to this one....? Would love to see some pics...

http://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-g...any-model-1865-spencer-repeating-carbine.aspx

 

[kevikens]

Same carbine but without the stabler cut off. The bore is .50, not .52 caliber. I need more info on the cartridges that are for the .50 caliber bore as that is what I am after, a few of the cartridges that will chamber in this model. The .56-50 will not.