Burnside Spencer Model 1865 Information Requested

[azlarry1063]

Hi-

Hoping for a little info. I inherited a Spencer Model 1865 from my Grandfather several years ago. I'd like to get as much info as I can.

Thanks for your help.

Serial #2029

[Two Flints]

Hi AZ,

You have a Burnside Spencer.  They were not delivered in time to be used in the Civil War.  Please read the following text taken from the Roy M. Marcot book, Spencer Repeating Firearms:



Many of the Burnside Spencers found their way into the civilian market and were taken out West by their owners.  I'm sure SSS members will add additional information.

Two Flints

[Arizona Trooper]

I see Az in your handle. If that means Arizona Territory and your Burnside has been in the family a long time, it could be one issued to settlers and scouts in the 1870s. The Army would issue second class guns (aka, Civil War Surplus, or rebuilt Trapdoor Springfields) to settlers and ranchers when there were Indian or border bandit problems. I know personally of an 1866 Springfield, and an early M-1873 Trapdoor carbine that came out of a ranch near Sonoita with that story, and Pete Kitchen's operation near Tubac was armed to the teeth, partly by the Army. (Pete was one very tough rancher!)   

By your serial number, your carbine would have been made in late April or early May of 1865. Chances of finding that exact serial number in unit returns are pretty slim. Just to add to the complication, Burnside M-1865s and Spencer made M-1865s both start at s.n. 1. Units never differentiated between manufacturers, and rarely between M-1860s and M-1865s (whose serial numbers also start with 1).

By the pictures, you have a nice Spencer, and great piece of family history.