Original Spencer Serial Numbers Thread & Disclaimer

[Cav Trooper old account]

Two Flints,

Can you help with my Spencer S/N? It's and 1860 Carbine S/N 11434.

Thanks,

Cav Trooper

[Two Flints]

Hi Cavalry Trooper,

Some time ago I acquired the four volume set of the Springfield Research Service (SRS) Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms.  I purchased the set so I could help SSS members identify which unit their original Spencer Carbine or rifle was issued or assigned to during, and perhaps, after the Civil War. 

Unfortunately, not all the Spencer serial numbers are listed in the four volume set I own.  And, there are gaps between indicated serial numbers.  This paragraph is a DISCLAIMER of sorts.  As a courtesy to SSS members, I am happy to reveal to you the information I have regarding the serial number of your Spencer carbine or rifle.  But, please remember, I am just regurgitating what I read in my SRS volumes with some "unscientific conjecture" on my part .  What I do is the following:  I take your Spencer serial number and try to place it in between the two closest serial numbers to yours listed in my SRS volume.  In most cases, if the serial numbers for the Spencer before and after your own serial number were issued to the same unit, I assume your Spencer went to the same unit.  Or, if your Spencer serial number is very, very close to another Spencer serial number, I assume your Spencer went to the same unit. I call this the Two Flints guesstimation    I'm guessing and estimating at the same time as to what I believe to be correct information based upon the information I find in my four volume set of SRS    And that is the best that I can do for you

Now, having written all the above:  Cavalry Trooper, your 1860 Spencer Carbine serial # 11434 was issued to a member of CO I, of the 19th New York Volunteer Cavalry on or about October, 1864.

Two Flints

[Cav Trooper old account]

Two Flints,

First, thank you for the information.      Wow, what a disclaimer,  do you play a lawyer on TV or did you stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?  Just kidding, I understand that records from 150 years ago are at best sparse and any information can still be questionable. Thanks again, I will have to look up the NY information to see what and where they served. Curiosity is my motive, not legal documentation.

Cav Trooper