This carbine is numbered in the Civil War serial number range but has the three groove rifling and "ESA" stock cartouche indicative of the carbines altered at Springfield Armory for use with the same ammunition as the Model 1865 carbines. It has the standard markings and features. Many of these carbines saw hard use by the U.S. Cavalry in the Civil War and the Indian Wars. Spencers are also known to have been used by both allied and hostile Native American factions, including at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

Very good with mottled brown patina, mild oxidation, moderate overall wear, faint markings (common on these armory altered carbines), scraps and gins throughout the wood, and some surface chipping on the forearm. Mechanically fine. Missing the stabler cut-off lever forward of trigger.