These innovative rifles were manufactured for the U.S government in 1863 and 1864 within primarily the 700-11000 serial number range. It was this pattern of Spencer rifle that was carried by some of Custer's 2nd Brigade of Michigan Cavalry at the battle of Gettysburg, when they successfully prevented the Confederate cavalry from outflanking the Union army, as well as being the pattern believed to have been personally tested by President Lincoln. These rifles were also carried by the "Lightning Brigade" commanded by Colonel John T. Wilder, who said of the rifles, "My men feel as if it is impossible to be whipped, and the confidence inspired by these arms added to their terribly destructive capacity, fully quadruples the effectiveness of my command." Though initially not widely accepted, successes such as these led to the U.S. Ordnance Department purchasing 11,470 of these rifles, becoming the most successful repeating longarm of the Civil War. This exceptional example has a blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug for fitting an angular/socket bayonet, six-groove rifling, three barrel bands, folding ladder rear sight, the three-line Spencer address and patent marking on the top at the breech, the serial number on top of the receiver behind the ejector cutout, smooth buttstock with the standard 7-round tubular magazine inserted through the buttplate, and sling swivels on the bottom of the buttstock and middle barrel band. There are two U.S. inspector cartouches visible on the left side of the wrist, these being "HHH" and "DAP".

Exceptionally fine, retains 95% original blue finish and 70% of the original case color patterns primarily on the sides of the receiver with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The wood is very fine with raised feathered grain, some minor storage dings and scratches scattered throughout and clear cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An extraordinary example of one of the most innovative firearms of the Civil War! There are very few finer examples!