Breechldrs My Spencer

[Hillman]

Greetings,
I am a new member living on Canada's west coast. Recently watched Ken Burns "Civil War" documentary and found this site. I grew up in PA and have visited the Civil War museum and travelled to Gettysburg frequently in the past. My great, great, great relative was a Captain in the PA Regiment, and his name is on the PA monument at Gettysburg.
I was given a Spencer carbine and several cartridges from a great uncle over 50 years ago, but I have no idea how my great uncle acquired it.
My carbine serial # is 12,803 and I've understood it is bonafide civil war issue. If anyone can add historical context based on the serial #, I would appreciate knowing more. I have no idea of the value of these old firearms.

 

[UCVRelics]

Sounds a neat Spencer. If you could post photos to include the makers marks and the serial # we can see just what you have. Looking forward to seeing your Spencer.

 

[RetiredCanuck]

Nice to see another fellow member from the Great White North. Welcome from Ontario!

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[bayonet]

I have no idea of the value of these old firearms.

The value will be in the condition it's in. So like he said can you throw up some pics of it all around to include all markings?

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

There are several models of the Spencer carbine, and the parts interchange. Clear photos of the entire carbine posted will get you better historical info and perhaps an idea of value. But that means all parts pictured!

 

[Hillman]

Thanks for the interest in my Spencer, and nice to see another member from the far north. I took some photos earlier today and will post some below. FYI the carbine measures 39 inches OAL and weighed 9.4 lbs. Barrel is 22 inches in length.
I also found this article from the American Rifleman https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/excels-all-others-the-spencer-carbine/
Cheers

 

[Hillman]

Note the bottom line in photo 2 is clearly marked:
"PAT'D MARCH 6 1800" not 1860. Any ideas why?

 

[rob63]

Note the bottom line in photo 2 is clearly marked:
"PAT'D MARCH 6 1800" not 1860. Any ideas why?

Presumably a worn die, it certainly was not intended to read 1800.

Nice early example of a Model 1860 carbine, made somewhere around Oct. 1863. I think most of us would be pretty tickled to have that one.

 

[bayonet]

Looks great only your missing a small part below the rear sight as seen here.

 

[Hillman]

Ok bayonet, I didn't know that was missing, but I did notice a flat section on top of the barrel by the rear sight. Makes sense to me now.

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice looking Spencer. Its not listed in the SRS. Its one number from being listed but with the SRS if its not listed, its not listed. Also here is a great write up on the Spencer and their survival rate.

1277360C 02 65CO E 7TH PENNA VOL CAV
1280460C 05 64CO I 3RD MICH VOL CAV
1281760C 05 64CO I 3RD MICH VOL CAV
1281860C 05 64CO I 3RD MICH VOL CAV

 

[bayonet]

Ok bayonet, I didn't know that was missing, but I did notice a flat section on top of the barrel by the rear sight. Makes sense to me now.

Might be able to find that part at some of the Dealers that stock and sell original parts like S&S etc.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

Thanks for the article