George Armstrong Custer and his Michigan "Wolverines" were armed with this model during the Civil War, including during the action of the Gettysburg campaign. Only 11,470 were manufactured and delivered in 1863 and 1865 which makes them much rarer than the 100,000+ carbines manufactured by 1866. Spencer rifles and carbines were easily among the most advanced weapons of the Civil War and remained in use during the late-19th century Indian Wars; some were even used against Custer at the Battle of Little Bighorn. This one has the standard Army model marking and features and includes a blued socket bayonet.

Fair. with brown patina and mild pitting and general minor marks and scratches. The bayonet has bright refinished blue finish mixed with oxidation and light brown patina. The sanded/reoiled stock and forearm have minor chips and flakes, scattered dents and scrapes, hand scratched markings on the left side of the buttstock, and some cracking at the butt. Mechanically fine.