Model 1860 Spencer Rifle manufactured for the U.S. Navy in 1862. The Navy purchased 803 Spencer repeating rifles which were delivered between February and September 1863. These Navy contract rifles were the first Spencer rifles purchased by the Federal government during the Civil War. The Navy contact rifles were issued with a sword bayonet with brass hilt and have a distinctive ribbed bayonet lug un the underside of the barrel. The rifle has a steel lug front sight with brass blade and a folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. Sling swivels are mounted on the stock and middle barrel band. The rifle has a blued barrel and forearm cap with color case-hardened barrel bands, receiver, hammer, lever and buttplate. The stock and forearm are oil finished American walnut. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "SPENCER REPEATING-/RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS./PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860" in three lines. The serial number, "158" is stamped on the top of the receiver. "G" is stamped on the top of the barrel in front of the lower barrel band. The rifle correctly has no inspection or property marks. The rifle is complete with sword bayonet with 19 1/2-inch fluted blade and ribbed brass grip. The blade is dated "1861" on the obverse and stamped "COLLINS & CO/HARTFORD/CONN" in three lines on the reverse.

Fine as partially refinished (cold blue around muzzle area). The balance of the rifle retains 30% of the blue and color case hardened finish. The barrel bands have muted case colors. The case hardened finish on the receiver, hammer and lever has faded to a smooth, silver-gray patina with traces of case colors in protected areas. Most of the case colors are present on the sides of the breechblock. The buttplate has a silver patina with patches of age discoloration and some scattered pitting. The stock and forearm remain in very good condition. Wear is limited to a few relatively minor handling and storage marks. The sword bayonet is in good overall condition. The blade is bright with spots of age discoloration and some light pitting at the tip and on the reverse near the hilt. The cast brass hilt and grip have an attractive, unpolished patina. This is a rare example of a Model 1860 Spencer Navy Rifle with equally scarce sword bayonet. This rifle and bayonet are key pieces in any advanced collection of Civil War weapons.