I have just become the happy owner of a Spencer 1865 carbine. In honor of its arrival, I decided it was time to join the forum. Probably several other forums as well, as I have a small collection of Winchester rifles and Colt single action army revolvers. And I've also gotten interested in the 19th century double actions recently.
Back to the Spencer, I believe it is an 1865 because the bore measures .512, the barrel is unlined and has 6-groove rifling, and it has a Stabler cutoff. The markings are a little less clear. There is no M1865 stamp on the barrel in front of the receiver, but there is an LC stamp where an inspector's mark should be on the left side of the barrel near the receiver and a C*W stamp on top of the barrel under the barrel band. The barrel is bunged up by tool marks from what appears to be an attempt to remove it, and also clean, shiny and without under the forend, which I have never encountered in an old rifle. I cant see any cartouches under the blackened varnish on the stock, which I intend to remove unless someone tells me it is a feature, not a bug.
I will post pictures taken from different angles when I figure out how to do that, and I'd be very interested in any ideas, history or suggestions y'all could give me
Thanks for welcoming me to the Forum
Deadeye Will