Spencer carbines were among the three most widely used carbines of the Civil War. After the war, many Spencers continued to be used by the U.S. Cavalry in battles with Native Americans on the Great Plains and in the Southwest until the adoption of the trapdoor. Many were also used by allied Indian scouts as well as hostile groups. Ironically, Custer was among the first men issued a Spencer rifle during the war, and several Spencers were used by his adversaries during the Battle of Little Bighorn. This carbine is one of over 11,000 refurbished and altered by Springfield Armory in 1867-1874 by fitting it with a three-groove liner and the Stabler cut-off. It has an "ECW" (E.C. Wheeler) cartouche behind the saddle ring base, "84" on the lever, and standard Spencer markings and features. A brass collection tag marked "852" is fitted ahead of the rear sling.