A fancy bordered period carving surrounding "S. Leonard./Co A./1st Wis.Cav." with oak leaves flanking the "Co. A." is located on the left of the buttstock. No further information has been located related to this individual at the current time. Approximately 50,000 of these carbines were manufactured between 1863 and 1865 for the Union Army. Spencer carbines are easily one of the most advanced and popular weapons of the war and remained important in the Indian Wars of the latter half of the 19th century, especially prior to the widespread adoption of the Springfield trapdoor. Two faint boxed script inspection cartouches are stamped on the left of the wrist.

Good, exhibiting a mix of brown and gray patina, with some scattered mild spotting. The wood is also good with general overall wear, numerous scattered scratches and dents, a large gouge on the right of the buttstock, a crack running the length of the left of the buttstock (the buttstock remains solid), and an attractive defined carving. Mechanically fine.