23,000 Model 1865 carbines were manufactured in 1865 and 1866 by the Spencer Rifle Company. Around half were fitted with the Stabler cut-off like this example. Edward Stabler's simple switch allowed soldiers to effectively convert their rifles temporarily into single shot breechloaders by preventing the breechblock from rotating far enough to the rear to allow cartridges to feed from the magazine. The men could press the switch back to the right to use the reserved ammunition in the magazine tube if the need for more rapid fire arose. After the Civil War, Spencers continued to be used by the U.S. Cavalry in the West until the widespread adoption of the Springfield trapdoors, and many of Spencers found their way into Indian hands and were used against some of the same U.S. cavalrymen who previously used them including George Armstrong Custer and his men during the Battle of Little Bighorn. This example has the standard Model 1865 features, including government inspection markings, matching serial numbers, and a pair of cartouches on the left side of the stock.

Very good plus. The metal surfaces have traces of blue and display dark brown and gray patina and have some spotting and faint pitting. The wood is also fine and has moderate dings, marks, and slight chips. The action functions fine, and the markings are crisp.