The 34,000 Burnside Rifle Co. Spencers were manufacture late in the Civil War and early in the post-war era. Nearly all were used to fulfill government contracts. Many were used well into the late 19th century, and they were particularly popular with Native Americans on the Great Plains and in the Southwest. Many Spencers are known to have been used against Custer's cavalry at the Battle of Little Bighorn for example. Tack ornamentation was a common way Native people personalized their weapons. The only Spencer forensically proven to have been used against Custer's men had tack designs somewhat similar to this carbine. The tacks were commonly part of trade goods throughout the 19th century. This example has tack borders, a circle design with a center stud on the right, and a cross design on the left. Both of these motifs are occasionally seen on tacked guns and are noted in the included research notes as a Cheyenne design. The circle motif is said to represent "unending life," and the cross is said to represent the "four directions of the world." Having written all of this, writer does not believe this carbine to have been used by Native Americans.

Fair. The carbine is missing its sights and at least five tacks. The forearm appears to have once had a pinned leather wrap given the presence of small nails. The metal has taken on a very dark brown patina overall and has mild pitting and oxidation. The wood has some cracks, slivers and chips absent, heavy handling wear, and some deep bruises/gouges. Mechanically fine. The markings are legible.