Manufactured from 1863-1865 with a total production of about 50,000, the Spencer carbine was one of the most widely used and popular Civil War firearms. It has pinched brass blade front and folding rear sight graduated to 900 yards. The trigger guard/lever operates the unique Spencer action extracting the spent casing on the down stroke and chambering a fresh round from the tube magazine in the buttstock on the upstroke. The top of the receiver is marked " SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON, MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860" and the serial number is marked near the rear. As with many Spencer carbines, this example was altered by the Springfield Armory after the war with a Stabler cut-off and a sleeved barrel for .50 caliber rimfire cartridges. The barrel was finished blue with casehardened remaining parts. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight wrist stock with a sling swivel on the bottom of the butt and a saddle ring and bar on the left side of the wrist/receiver followed by the correct "ESA" cartouche and a second unclear cartouche. There are some single letter inspection marks on many of the components.

Fine as Arsenal refurbished. The carbine retains 30% of the Arsenal faded blue finish and slightly less of the brilliant case colors with a primarily mottled gray patina on the balance with areas of light spotting. The wood is very good with one clear cartouche and less nicks, dings, and scrapes than would be expected from a Civil War firearm. Mechanically excellent.