This rifle was produced by the Burnside Rifle Company as a carbine in 1865 and then converted by Springfield Arsenal circa 1871 into a .50 caliber infantry rifle. Only 1,108 arms are believed to have undergone this conversion. It has bayonet lug, blade front and folding ladder rear sights with a matching serial number on the left side of the barrel near the breech and on the top of the frame at the rear. The casehardened frame is marked "MODEL/1865" and "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE/PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860/MANUF D AT PROV. R.I./BY BURNSIDE RIFLE Co." on top. It is fitted with a Stabler magazine cutoff. The sling bar and ring were removed. It is fitted with a smooth, straight grip stock with an "ESA" cartouche, forearm with two barrel bands, sling swivels, cleaning rod and a smooth buttplate with the removable magazine. An appraisal from Guniby's Gun Shop from 2007 with a description of the gun is included.

Very good. The barrel retains some arsenal refurbished finish in the protected areas, but the rifle display mostly gray and brown patina throughout along with some light oxidation. The wood has some dings and scratches throughout and a few chips. It is mechanically fine and has mostly crisp markings.