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 with Colonel Wilder's "Lightning Brigade" at Hoover's Gap and General Custer's Michigan "Wolverines" at Gettysburg. It has a brass blade front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug, six-groove rifling, three barrel bands, an 800 yard folding ladder rear sight, the three-line Spencer address and patent marking on the top at the breech, and smooth buttstock with the standard 7-round tubular magazine inserted through the buttplate. Left side of the barrel at the breech marked with inspector initials "M". Left side behind the stock screw is marked with circled script inspector cartouche "MMJ" (Martin M. Johnson) and "DAP" (Dwight A. Perkins). Ahead of the buttplate marked with small inspector initials "D.A.P.", and "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes leather sling, socket bayonet, leather scabbard marked on the frog "R. NECE/PHILAD." and "A.D. LAIDLEY/U.S./ORD.DEPT/SUB INSPECTOR", and wood tampion. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Exceptionally fine, retaining 70% original blue finish on the barrel with some light thinning and muzzle wear, 75% plus vivid original case colors on the frame and fittings, and some scattered light freckling overall. Wood is very fine plus with some light scratches and dents, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. Included bayonet and leather scabbard are both very fine. An exceptional example of one of the most innovative firearms of the Civil War!