11,470 of these innovative rifles were manufactured for the U.S government in 1863 and 1864 within primarily the 700-11000 serial number range. Rifles of this model were Colonel Wilder's "Lightning Brigade" at Hoover's Gap and General Custer's Michigan "Wolverines" at Gettysburg. It has a blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug, six-groove rifling, three barrel bands, a folding ladder rear sight, the three-line Spencer address and patent marking on the top at the breech, and smooth buttstock with the standard tubular magazine inserted through the buttplate.

Good, showing mostly a grey patina mottled with some brown with clear "SL" inspector's marking visible on the left side of the barrel, as well as the address and serial number on the receiver. The wood is fair, truly telling the story of this rifle. The forearm is heavily worn showing the areas where it was grasped each time its owner raised it to fend off charging rebels. There are a few minor cracks along with the dings and dents associated with a gun that survived America's bloodiest conflict. It remains mechanically fine.