Only an estimated 1,800 of these Spencer sporting rifles were produced between 1864 and 1868. This rifle is nearly identical to Spencer sporting rifle number 233 pictured on page 117 of Roy Marcot's "Spencer Repeating Firearms" also in this auction. It has the standard blade and folding ladder sights on a round 26 inch barrel and the standard sporter receiver peep sight. Given the production statistics quoted on page 111 of the above book, this rifle was likely produced in 1865 and may have been produced on the same day as the other rifle mentioned above. It is chambered for the .56-46 (.44 caliber) bottle-neck Spencer cartridge that was standard for the post-war sporters. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel and on the top of the receiver offset to the left. The bottom of the barrel also has the assembly number "82" towards the breech and "PT" just ahead of the rear sight slightly to the left. "82" is also on the action components, end of the forearm, underside of the buttplate, and the butt. The top of the action has the three line Spencer address and patent marking. It has a smooth forearm with pewter end cap and a straight wrist stock with standard buttplate.

Excellent. 95% plus of the original blue finish and 90% plus case colors remain with some light spotting and minor marks. Several of the screws even retain strong original niter blue finish. The wood is excellent with several slight dings and scratches. The action is excellent, and the markings are crisp with the exception of the year in the patent line. This Spencer rifle is truly outstanding!