Only 1,800 Spencer sporting rifles are believed to have been manufactured in 1864 to 1868. Most were chambered for the .56-46 spencer cartridge like this one. The cartridge was suitable for use on small to medium game. It has a sporting style blade front sight the usual Spencer notch and folding ladder rear sight, three line Spencer address on the top of the action, "U.S.C. Co" on the sides of the action (United States Cartridge Co., 1869-1918), Spencer magazine cut-off, taps for mounting a peep sight, "921" on the right side of the breechblock, "477" and "612/5" on the bottom of the barrel, "56/46" hand carved on the bottom of the forearm which has the sporting style pewter cap, no provision for a saddle ring bar, and "147" on the right side of the butt. This rifle does not appear in the book on the U.S. Cartridge Co.'s collection. It appears to have been used to test ammunition.

Fine. It has mostly silver-gray on the mostly bright action and lock plate, subtle hints of original case colors, 60% plus original blue finish blending with brown patina, some minor pitting, and general mild overall wear. The wood is very good and has general surface scratches and small dings, a chip on the right side of the forearm at the tail, and a few smaller surface chips. Mechanically fine.