Only 709 Navy variant Spencer military rifles were purchased by the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. Some were undoubtedly lost in battle or otherwise destroyed. Interestingly, some Union naval officers asked to be able to trade in their units' Spencers for the single shot U.S. Navy "Plymouth" rifles designed by Commander Dahlgren indicating the Navy preferred larger calibers and range over rapid fire which likely explains the limited quantity of Spencers ordered. The Spencers technically had an effective range of 500 yards, but much of the stopping power would have been gone at any long range compared to the heavier .69 caliber bullets of the Dahlgren rifles which could technically have an effective range of 1,000 yards. The Spencer Navy rifles were manufactured in 1861-1864. The key variation from the Army variant is the saber bayonet lug below the barrel. The rifle also has the standard blade front sight with raised base, notch and folding ladder rear sight, standard Spencer markings, and the low serial number "205" on the top of the action. A Herb Glass advertisement from August 1992 indicates this rifle was once owned by Glass.

Very good. The rifle has gray and brown patina throughout and some slight pitting and oxidation. The wood is fair with cracking at the breech and left side of the stock, some chips, and scratches and dents typical of a weapon that saw actual combat use. It is mechanically fine with legible markings.