- Joined
- May 8, 2015
- Location
- Pittsburgh, PA
I know relatively little about fire arms, either Civil War or otherwise. I am interested in acquiring a well preserved, functional (though I wouldn't shoot it), highly original example of a Spencer repeating carbine that is traceable to a CW federal cavalry unit. Not surprisingly, I have several questions I must ask. Thanks in advance to the kind, knowledgeable people who take the time to answer any of my questions. (Moderators: if this thread should have been started in the relics forum, please move it there. I wasn't sure. Thank you.)
1. What are the key things to look for in assessing originality and state of preservation of such a carbine?
2. Where can one find a serial number data base where it can be determined when a particular carbine was made, and to what CW unit it was provided?
3. Do these weapons ever carry unit insignia or personalizations, and if so, how do either of those attributes affect value?
4. Where are the best and worst places to look for such an item?
5. How many Spencer repeaters were issued to the Union army during the CW?
6. If it is permissible to ask valuation questions here, what should I be prepared to pay for a good example of what I seek? In other words, what would be a fair price? (Are there any publically available auction records that would help me here?)
1. What are the key things to look for in assessing originality and state of preservation of such a carbine?
2. Where can one find a serial number data base where it can be determined when a particular carbine was made, and to what CW unit it was provided?
3. Do these weapons ever carry unit insignia or personalizations, and if so, how do either of those attributes affect value?
4. Where are the best and worst places to look for such an item?
5. How many Spencer repeaters were issued to the Union army during the CW?
6. If it is permissible to ask valuation questions here, what should I be prepared to pay for a good example of what I seek? In other words, what would be a fair price? (Are there any publically available auction records that would help me here?)
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