Lot 2074: Spencer 1865 Carbine 50 Spencer

This is an exceptional example of a U.S. Contract Model 1865 Spencer Carbines that was manufactured by the Burnside Rifle Company in 1865. These carbines were issued to U.S. Cavalry regiments on the frontier and saw extensive service until they were replaced by the Model 1873 Springfield carbine c. 1875. This carbine has a Stabler cut-off, folding leaf rear sight with 900 yard center notch, sling bar and ring and sling swivel mount on the stock. The carbine barrel and rear sight have a military blue finish, and the barrel band, receiver, hammer, lever, breech-block and buttplate are color casehardened. The sling bar and magazine tube are bright and the screws are fire blue. The stock and forearm are oil-finished, straight grain American walnut. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "MODEL 1865" followed by the Burnside Rifle Company legend and patent markings in four lines. The serial number "6998" is stamped on the top of the receiver. Three script Ordnance inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the stock behind the sling bar mount. The Ordnance sub-inspection mark "J.L.C." is stamped on the left barrel flat just ahead of the receiver. Single letter Ordnance sub-inspection marks are stamped on most major components.

Excellent. The carbine is all original and appears to be in as-issued condition with only very limited storage wear. The barrel retains nearly 97% of the military blue finish. The case colors on the receiver, hammer, breechblock, buttplate and other components remain 95% complete and are vivid. The stock and forearm are both in excellent condition with raised "feathered" grain crisp Ordnance final inspection and sub-inspection marks, and scattered light dings overall. Traces of the original packing grease are visible on the protected areas of the buttplate and other components. The sling swivel is missing, but the mount remains. This is an exceptional example of an important U.S. Cavalry carbine that saw extensive use on the post-Civil War frontier. It would be hard to find a better example of a Model 1865 Spencer Carbine.