Presentation inscribed Spencer carbines are incredibly scarce; those with period engraving and manufactured by the Burnside Rifle Co. are even more scarce. This example was built in the standard carbine pattern and has the raised blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight graduated from 200-900 yards, smooth stock and forearm, saddle ring bar and ring on the left side of the wrist, and a tubular magazine inserted through the steel buttplate. It has no visible inspection markings but is marked with the "MODEL 1865" and the four line patent and manufacture marking on the top of the receiver. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel and the top of the receiver. The "1865" under the model on the model on the receiver appears to have been purposely defaced some time ago. The sides of the receiver have floral scroll engraved borders. The left is also inscribed "RICHARD J. BURGES/PROVIDENCE/ R.I.", and the right is also inscribed with "HOPE" over an anchor emblem that is surrounded by rococo scrollwork. Rhode Island was significant as the first state to answer President Abraham Lincoln's call for troops. Rhode Island was also home to the U.S. Naval Academy and Burnside Rifle Co. during the war. Richard James Burges was the son of prominent Rhode Islander Colonel Tristam Burges who died from wounds received at Williamsburg in 1863. He received his position via appointment by President Lincoln after pushing hard to ready Rhode Island's troops to answer Lincoln's call for men. He had been a state senator when the war broke out. Richard served as an officer in the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry and became a 2nd Lieutenant on September 27, 1861, and was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on Dec. 6, 1862. He was honorably discharged on October 15, 1864. The 1st Cavalry fought in many skirmishes throughout the early years of the war in the East and were often sent behind enemy lines on scouting missions. They saw action at Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancelorsville, Gettysburg, and several smaller actions before being reorganized after losing all but 30 of their men while trying to hold Middleburg, Virginia, in 1863 while outnumbered and isolated. Burges's tour of duty was fought with danger and included being accidentally fired upon by Union gunboats, capturing three Confederate soldiers and no doubt killing several others while riding with a group of just five of his men, and capturing, bringing to court, and executing a New York deserter who had been ambushing, killing, and looting men from both sides of the conflict. Given the date of Burges's discharge, this carbine would have been presented to him after leaving the service, possibly by the state, citizens of Providence, or even the Burnside factory.

Good. The carbine displays primarily a blend of gray and brown patina and has strong original blue finish on the barrel under the forearm. There are vice marks visible on both sides of the barrel at the breech and some scattered minor marks. The wood is good and has minor scratches and dings, filled in swivel tap, and mostly smooth surfaces. The action functions fine, and the engraving and inscription are crisp. This is a scarce presentation Spencer carbine presented to a heroic officer from the 1st Rhode Island Cavalry.