Lot 215: Civil War U.S. Navy Spencer Repeating Rifle with Saber Bayonet

Approximately 700 of the 1,000 Spencer repeating rifles ordered by the U.S. Navy were this pattern. The Navy rifles were the first Spencer rifles purchased by the government during the Civil War, and they fall within the 1-750 serial number range. The Navy contact rifles were issued with a sword bayonet with brass hilt and have a distinctive ribbed bayonet lug on the underside of the barrel. The rifle has a steel lug front sight with nickel-silver blade and a folding leaf rear sight with 800 yard center notch. The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "SPENCER REPEATING-/RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS./PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860." "G" is stamped on the top of the barrel in front of the lower barrel band, and an "M" is on the lock plate. The rifle correctly has no inspection or property marks. The rifle is complete with sword bayonet with 21 3/4-inch yataghan style blade and brass hilt with ribbed grip. The blade is dated "1862" on the obverse and stamped "AMES MFG CO/CHICOPEE/MASS" on the reverse. A leather wrapped scabbard with brass fittings for the bayonet and a black leather sling are included. "GDM" is deeply stamped at the toe. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good with mostly mottled gray patina throughout along with some general mild marks and scratches, minor oxidation, and mostly silvered out case color patterns on the receiver. The re-oiled wood is good and has some loss around the lock mortise, noticeable horizontal cracks and chips visible on the left side of the forearm at the rear and the wrist and butt of the buttstock, and numerous minor dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. The bayonet and scabbard are fine and have attractive aged patina on the brass hilt and scabbard furniture, mottled gray patina and mild pitting on the blade, and general age and storage related wear.