The "U.S./COL. TER" branded into the left of the buttstock indicates this carbine is one of just 500 Spencer Model 1865 repeating carbines transferred by the U.S. Ordnance Department to the Colorado Territory on October 16th, 1868. Burnside manufactured the Model 1865 Spencer carbines in 1865, with the first delivery in April. Many were used during Reconstruction and in the Indian Wars before the Springfield Trapdoors were widely issued, with many seeing continued use by Native American groups and western settlers into the late 19th century. Features blade front and folding ladder rear sights and the Stabler cutoff. Matching serial number "22684" marked underneath the barrel and on top of the frame. Small single letter inspection initials marked on various components, two boxed script inspection cartouches stamped on the left of the stock, small "J.L.C" inspection initials stamped on the left breech of the barrel, and small "C.S.L" inspection initials ahead of the buttplate.

Good as Colorado Territory issued and full of frontier character, with gray and brown patina on the exposed iron surfaces, strong traces of vivid original case colors showing on the sling mount and protected areas of the breech block, and scattered patches of light to mild pitting. Wood is very good with numerous scattered period scratches and dents, a few cracks on either side above the toe, and a defined Colorado Territory branding. Mechanically excellent.