Approximately 50,000 Spencer carbines were manufactured and used during the Civil War along with smaller numbers of rifles. This example has "J WALKER", with the "R" above the "E", carved into the right side of the buttstock. The consignor has included research on John Walker of the 4th Indiana Cavalry. The documents indicate that the 4th received Spencer carbines, and the 4th's sick and wounded ended up in Nashville hospitals during the Atlanta Campaign. Also included is a copy of Wiley Sword's article "Those Damned Michigan Spencers: Colonel Copeland's 5th Michigan Cavalry and Their Spencer Rifles." Sword's article discusses the early use of the Spencer rifles and how they turned back a Confederate assault with their overwhelming firepower.

Good. The carbine has brown and gray patina, some light spotting, and various minor marks and dings from use. The wood is also fine and has some minor hairline cracks, various scrapes and dents, and a dark rubbed patina. The action functions fine and the markings are mostly clear.