The included documentation with this carbine indicates it was issued to Company A 3rd Kentucky Cavalry. Period records indicate that a Benjamin O. Mitchell (reportedly, though not specified as recipient) was a member of Company A and was also a member of Company B of the 48th Regiment of Kentucky Infantry. According to the notes, the serial numbers and issue information were discovered by Jerry Coates. Spencer rifles and carbines were among the most popular arms of the American Civil War. Toward the end of the Civil War the Spencer established itself as the main arm for cavalry use and was widely issued during the Indian War era as well. This example is equipped with blade front and a folding adjustable rear sights. The top of the receiver has the standard three line address and patent date. The stock and forearm are oil-finished walnut with a single barrel band, sling bar mounted on the left stock wrist, steel butt plate with tube magazine, and sling swivel. The right side of the stock has the hand carved initials "M.H."