Spencer serial number

[Krusty]

Hello Two Flints
I'm new and just joined the site and I have a question about my spencer rifles serial number next to the hammer.so here it is 1529 that's a pretty low number right? any help would be appreciated






                                          (Photos Added by Two Flints)
Thanks
Krusty

[Two Flints]

Hi Carl,

Thanks for joining SSS!  I added the photos you sent me to your post. 

I hve already checked on your serial #, but, unfortunately, my SRS books do not show any serial #s close to your Serial #1529.  I'm sure some of the Spencer members will add their thoughts on what unit your rifle was issued to.

The closest serial # I did find close to your #1529 is #1505 and that Spencer Rifle was issued to Company E of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in October 1864.  The next closest serial # is 1577 and that Spencer Rifle was issued to Company D of the 5th New York Volunteer Cavalry in April 22, 1864.  The Spencer Rifles were issued in no logical fashion, and probably as needed to various Union units.  Also, the list of Spencer serial #s for rifles and carbines is INCOMPLETE.  Sorry I can't be of more help to you.

Now, where did you get the sling you have attached to your Spencer Rifle?  I've been trying to get one for my Spencer Rifle.  Is it a reproduction?  Please let me know how you came by it.

Thanks,

Two Flints

[Arizona Trooper]

Also, a lot of Spencer rifles were originally issued to cavalry units. As carbines became available the rifles were called in and issued infantry when the mounted troops got carbines. Your rifle is right in the middle of the numbers issued to the 5th and 6th Mich. cavalry. See the posting about Copeland's Spencer rifles below.  Does your rifle still have the square wire magazine spring? If it does. take the spring out and put it in a safe place. Replace it with a repro from someplace like S&S. Only early rifles had the square wire, but a lot of springs broke and were replaced, so now the early springs are quite rare.