Manufactured circa 1865-1866. The top of the receiver is roll stamped: "MODEL/1865" across the top followed by "SPENCER REPEATING-/RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS./PAT'D MARCH 6 1860" in four lines. The serial number "31597" is stamped on the top of the receiver behind the ejection port. The left side of the stock wrist, behind the sling bar, is stamped with the Ordnance final inspection mark that consists of the script initials "ESA" enclosed in an oval border. The Ordnance Sub-Inspector's mark "J.L.C." is stamped on the left barrel flat just ahead of the receiver. Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on some components. The carbine has a bright finished sling bar and ring mounted on the left side of the stock and the receiver. The barrel has a block-mounted iron front sight and folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch. The carbine has the Stabler magazine cut-off on the lower tang that was fitted on late production Model 1865 Spencer carbines and sling swivels on the barrel band and stock. The barrel has a military blue finish. The receiver, hammer, breechblock, lever and buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are oil-finished American walnut. Although the Model 1865 Spencer carbine was manufactured too late for active service during the Civil War it was used extensively used by the regular cavalry regiments on the frontier including Custer's 7th Cavalry regiment.

Very fine. The carbine retains nearly 80% of the arsenal finish overall. Much of the muted case colors are present on the case-hardened components. 80% of the blue finish on the barrel remains. The balance has faded to a brown patina. The barrel band and rear sight retain most of the blue finish. The stock and forearm are in excellent condition with only very minor storage wear. The "ESA" inspection mark on the stock wrist is extremely sharp. The receiver markings are crisp. This is a very fine example of an important carbine that was widely used by the U.S. Cavalry from 1865-1875.