Spencer 1860 rifle

[Jdc367]

I have a 1860 Spencer rifle serial 3061. Would like to know to what unit rifle was assigned

 

[UCVRelics]

Please post photos to included the makers marks on top and the serial # and we will take a look and see if its listed in the SRS data base.

 

[Jdc367]

Attached hope they are good enough

 

[UCVRelics]

Nice Looking Rifle. Its not listed in the SRS. Below are the range of 30#. Keep in mind that if its not listed, its nice listed and you can't read anything into the range of #. Merry Christmas.
301760R 010165CO B 9TH MICH VOL CAV
3018 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3038 R 0816635TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3041 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
305360R 010165CO B 9TH MICH VOL CAV
3072 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3076 R 0816635TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3086 R 0816635TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3090 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS

 

[Jdc367]

Nice Looking Rifle. Its not listed in the SRS. Below are the range of 30#. Keep in mind that if its not listed, its nice listed and you can't read anything into the range of #. Merry Christmas.
301760R 010165CO B 9TH MICH VOL CAV
3018 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3038 R 0816635TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3041 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
305360R 010165CO B 9TH MICH VOL CAV
3072 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3076 R 0816635TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3086 R 0816635TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS
3090 R 636TH INDEP CO OHIO VOL SS

So the range would fit into Ohio vol, but I should not read anything into that ?

 

[Jdc367]

So the range would fit into Ohio vol, but I should not read anything into that ?

I bought the rifle at rock island auctions. Do you have any experience w them? Should I worry if the rifle is a fake?

 

[UCVRelics]

I bought the rifle at rock island auctions. Do you have any experience w them? Should I worry if the rifle is a fake?

No you should not. RIA is a very reputable auction house. All weapons are NOT listed in the SRS and in looking at the photos its right as rain.

 

[Jdc367]

Thanks

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I have a different view of Rock Island, but I don't need to share that here, because your Spencer looks as right as rain.
I think this serial number, although not a hit on the SRS listing, does tell you a great deal - this range of Spencers is one of the exceptions to the usual rule that a miss on the SRS list isn't proof of anything. Do an internet search for Wiley Sword's interesting article on the first two army orders of the Spencer Rifle which is called "those damned Michigan Spencers"
I should note that this site put some *** in that D word in the title of the article, but if you use D***ed in your internet search, I don't think you will find that article so spell it the way Wiley Sword spelled it!

 

[JOHN42768]

It appears to be legit to my eyes. Congrats

 

[Jdc367]

The only problem with it is that loading gate on the butt plate won't open. I'm thinking I may need to have a gunsmith look at it . Any suggestions?

 

[Mark A]

I have had three very negative dealings with Rock Island Auctions to a point where I refuse to do business with them any longer. That said the Spencer looks completely legit.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

My advice on the loading tube is to go easy and slow. That's good advice for anything that's stuck.
As for Rock Island, I've heard more than one dealer mention that Rock Island was their favorite place to sell stuff that has some problems or fakery so that the dealer thought offering it would hurt his reputation....an auction sale would not be branded with that dealer's name. For some reason, Rock Island was the auction venue of choice for this type of dumping where the owner thought there was a fishy aroma attached to an item and they didn't want their name attached to it.

 

[mofederal]

I personally have had no problems with Rock Island Auctions. that said I have known several people who have gotten humped up groups from them.

 

[UCVRelics]

The only problem with it is that loading gate on the butt plate won't open. I'm thinking I may need to have a gunsmith look at it . Any suggestions?

Its just been in there for a long time. Ive had several Spencer carbines with the same problem. You need to apply a lot of pressure, wiggle back and forth and just go a little at a time. If your not going to shoot it just leave it alone. As far as RIA goes, they are just like any other auction house, if you know what your doing and have the knowledge, you know when to leave it alone.

On the SRS, I have seen the records in the NA and they are what they are and until someone takes the time to photo copy them and spend the time figuring the Tick marks """" are below the recorded numbers its the best we have. The best way to determine the ownership is the unit records.

 

[Jeff in Ohio]

I hope you will take my advice and read that Wiley Sword article about the first couple batches of Spencer Rifles that were ordered for issuance to the Michigan Cavalry and the Ohio Sharpshooters.

 

[Jdc367]

I hope you will take my advice and read that Wiley Sword article about the first couple batches of Spencer Rifles that were ordered for issuance to the Michigan Cavalry and the Ohio Sharpshooters.

I did. It was helpful. Looks more likely the Ohio ss

 

[Lanyard Puller]

I've got to agree with @Mark A and @Jeff in Ohio concerning Rock Island. Their problems run long and deep. I'd never consider them for selling or buying. IMHO
And BTW the Spencer is authentic.

 

[Jdc367]

What other sites do you recommend for antique weapons

 

[plymouthairrifle]

*** REPOSTING *** "Those Damned Michigan Spencers" by Wiley Sword (cascity.com)

This is the fine article on the Spencers.