This rifle was manufactured as a standard carbine during the Civil War and was converted to a sporting or buffalo rifle after the war. The barrel is stamped "J. HARDER/LOCK HAVEN PA" on top behind the fixed notch rear sight and has a German silver blade front sight. The top of the receiver has the standard Spencer markings, and the left side is inscribed "R. M. Shau" in script. The later was likely the owner of the rifle. Multiple men with the appropriate name appear in period records for Pennsylvania and the surrounding region. Shau/Shaw is a fairly common British surname. It is fitted with a sporting rifle forend with poured pewter cap and held by two screws. The stock has the sling bar mount on the left, but the actual bar was removed. Jacob Harder of Athens Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, from the mid-19th century into the buffalo hunter and Indian War era manufactured fine full and half stock rifles, pistols, and shotguns and also owned and operated a general hardware store.

Good as period retailer upgraded to sporting rifle. The metal surfaces display gray and brown patina and have scattered minor marks overall. The wood is also good and has scrapes, dents, and a nicely pieced section were the original rear sling swivel was located. The action functions fine, and the markings are clear.