Seeking help to identify our Burnside Model 1865 Spencer carbine with serial number 28. This is an extremely low-numbered and rare example of the approximately 34,000 Model 1865 carbines made by the Burnside Rifle Company. The low serial number indicates it should be one of the very first units produced in 1865.
Information on this incredibly low serial number 28 carbine could place it in a unique category that we would like to highlight in our Burnside collection display.
Such low numbers suggest it might be:
Only inspection marks are on the barrel under the forearm on either side of the second '28' serial number.
Large 'C' and a small 'A'.
VERY early placement of the 'Model 1865' on top of barrel, not forward of the receiver-breech imprint.
I will send pictures.
THNX
Steve
Information on this incredibly low serial number 28 carbine could place it in a unique category that we would like to highlight in our Burnside collection display.
Such low numbers suggest it might be:
- A pre-production prototype: A very early example used for testing, inspection, or display purposes before mass production began.
- A presentation piece: Low-serial-number guns were sometimes gifted to military officials, company executives, or government inspectors.
- A sample model: One of the first carbines delivered to the U.S. government for approval.
Only inspection marks are on the barrel under the forearm on either side of the second '28' serial number.
Large 'C' and a small 'A'.
VERY early placement of the 'Model 1865' on top of barrel, not forward of the receiver-breech imprint.
I will send pictures.
THNX
Steve
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Bringing the