Manufactured late 1863 to 1864. These Spencer Model 1860 Army rifles are best known for being the repeating arm issued to Colonel John T. Wilder's "Lightning Brigade", and Brigadier General George A. Custer's Michigan "Wolverines" cavalry brigade. Front sight doubles as lug for socket type bayonet, with a folding ladder rear sight calibrated to 800 yards. Chambered in .52 caliber rimfire with six groove rifling, and three barrel bands. Maintains the original trigger without the stabler cut-off. The top of the action is marked "SPENCER REPEATING (double stamped)/RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS./PAT'D MARCH 6 1860." and there are two faint cartouches on the left of the standard military style stock. Sling swivels are mounted on the middle barrel band and butt. Includes period leather sling.

Very good plus, retaining 30% original blue finish on the barrel turned to a gray, and the frame turned a bright gray patina with some scattered patches of light pitting. Stock is fine with crisp edges, minor dings and scratches throughout, and lightly visible cartouches. Mechanically excellent. A genuine attic fresh example of an original Civil War Spencer Model 1860 Army rifle that is well above the average examples usually found!