Spencer carbines were some of the most advanced weapons available during the Civil War and continued to see hard use on the frontier by U.S. troops, civilians, and various Native American groups. The Model 1860 carbines were produced from 1863-1865 with a serial number range of 12000-62000, placing this example early in production. It has the standard markings and features along with "W.Y. DE G." on top of the barrel at the breech, a marking associated with Wexell & DeGress, a large arms supplier based in New York and Mexico City. The carbine also shows a large frontier style rawhide repair on the forearm, Native American style tack decoration on the butt, the saddle ring removed, and a pewter four pointed star inlaid on the right.

Fair. This carbine is a good representation of firearms as tools on the frontier, wearing its use proudly, like a badge of courage. The metal showing mostly a weathered grey patina. Its years of service can be seen clearly in the forearm, which has been heavily worn to fit the hand and repaired with materials available at hand on the frontier. The buttstock shows the cracks of many hard miles and the frontier decoration bestowed on it by a beloved companion, as well as a mosaic of insect trails on top created by the frontier itself. A lot of Old West character!