This rifle was originally produced by the Burnside Rifle Company as a carbine in 1865 and then converted by Springfield Arsenal circa 1871 into a rifle. It is fitted with the distinctive 3-groove rifled barrel and a forearm secured by two bands and a forend cap. Only 1108 arms are believed to have undergone this upgrade. Features include the bayonet lug blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The matching serial number is on the left side of the barrel at the breech and on the rear of the frame. Casehardened frame marked on top "MODEL/1865" and "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE/PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860/MANUF D AT PROV. R.I./BY BURNSIDE RIFLE Co." and fitted with a Stabler magazine cutoff. The sling bar and ring are mounted on the left to the rear of the frame and the front of the smooth, straight grip stock which has a "ESA" cartouche with an unclear proof stamped horizontally over it. The sling swivels are mounted to the front barrel band and the bottom of the stock. The magazine tube is fitted through the top of the slightly curved buttplate. A slotted cleaning rod is included.

Very good. The rifle has some traces of the original finish with an otherwise a gray-brown patina with light pitting and various minor marks, scratches, and dings. Some traces of the case colors are visible on the rear of the frame and the tangs. The wood is fine as revarnished with a visible cartouche and only minor scratches and dings. Mechanically fine.