Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #89
  • Lot #38
Lot #37
Lot #39

Lot 38: Spencer Repeating Sporting Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Lot 38: Spencer Repeating Sporting Rifle

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: August 25, 2023

Estimated Price: $2,500 - $3,750
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Spencer Repeating Sporting Rifle

Manufacturer: Spencer
Model: 1860 Rifle
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 56-46
Barrel: 26 inch round
Finish: brown/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 2516
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 42
Class: Antique
Description:

Very few sporting rifles were manufactured by Spencer, and educated estimates put total production well under a few thousand. The action first went into production in 1860, and, as soon as the Civil War started, all of the machinery and manpower was devoted to turning out rifles and carbines for the Civil War. George Armstrong Custer and others are known to have taken Spencer sporters to the West. It is chambered for the 56-46 Spencer cartridge (.44 rimfire) which was suitable for small to medium game. The matching serial number is marked on the top of the frame (the "1" is taken out by a screw hole) hidden underneath the tang peep sight and on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm. Marked "SPENCER REPEATING/RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS./PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860." on top of the receiver. The assembly number "72" is stamped on various parts including the barrel, forearm, lever, breech block, buttplate, and buttstock (some require disassembly for viewing). Blade front sight, folding leaf rear sight, and tang mounted peep sight both without graduation markings. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with pewter tip secured by two screws and straight grip stock with steel buttplate.

Rating Definition:

Very good, exhibiting strong signs of genuine period use on the plains, with a mix of smooth gray and brown patina overall. The top of the hammer has been period modified, shortening the spur. The period refinished wood is also very good with scattered scratches and dents, re-glued cracked sections on either side at the rear of the forearm, a large crack on top of the wrist starting beneath the rear peep sight, a few small cracks around the buttplate, and defined edges. 11 "kill notches" marked on the right side of the wrist. Absent cartridge keeper lever on top of the breech block, otherwise mechanically fine.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #593: Burnside Rifle Co. Spencer Model 1865 Repeating Carbine

    Lot #1109: Civil War Spencer Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine

    Lot #447: Henry Repeating Arms Model H011IF Lever Action Rifle with Box

    Lot #964: Two Henry Repeating Arms Model H001 Pattern Rifles with Boxes

    Lot #456: Henry Repeating Arms Model H012GCCC Lever Action Rifle with Box

    Lot #592: Civil War U.S. Spencer Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine