This is a scarce example of a U.S. Springfield Armory variation of a Model 1865 Spencer Carbine to an infantry rifle. Springfield Armory manufactured 1,108 of these rifles in 1871. The rifle features a Springfield 32 1/2-inch .50 caliber barrel with three-groove rifling. The barrel is fitted with the Model 1868 folding leaf rear sight and has a square lug front sight to accommodate a socket bayonet. The barrel is secured by two blued barrel bands with band springs. The forearm has a bright tip and the rifle is fitted with a bright finished iron ramrod with ribbed head. The receiver has the original Stabler magazine cut-off and retains the carbine sling bar and ring. The barrel is blued, the receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate are color casehardened. The walnut stock and forearm have an oil finish. The original serial number, "21956" is stamped on the top of the receiver and on the left side of the barrel. The top of the receiver is stamped with the three-line Spencer legend. A "&" is stamped on the top of the breech block. There are no Ordnance inspection marks on the stock or barrel.

Fine as partially refinished. The barrel retains approximately 85% of the original arsenal blue finish. The receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate have more than 90% of the casehardened finish with strong case colors. There is some minor discoloration on the left side of the receiver. The screws have most of the fiery niter blue finish. The Spencer markings on the top of the receiver are light but legible. The stock and forearm are lightly sanded and re-oiled with no remaining cartouche. This is a fine example of a scarce post-Civil War Springfield Armory, Spencer Carbine to Rifle-Musket variation.