Spencer ID and Education

[SAKO]

Picked up this Spencer as part of a collection I just purchased and I want to learn more about it and best ways to care for and preserve its value.  If I could also get info on the serial, that would be great.  Please educate me.

[Two Flints]

Sako,

The closest serial # I find to your #3450 is #3442, a Spencer Rifle issued to Company K, 9th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry in 1865, no day or month give.

Hope this helps,

Two Flints

[Coal Creek Griff]

Is the rear sight installed backwards, or is that correct?

CC Griff

[Blair]

CC Griff,

Yes, the rear sight has been installed wrong-way-round. Easy fix.
A very nice looking Rifle!
My best,
Blair

[Snakeeater]

Given the condition of the rear of the barrel makes me wonder whether the front half has been re-blued to enhance the overall appearance? Or else, the present condition is the result of the years of neglect sitting in a collection just from medium to high humidity. Otherwise it would be hard to believe from the service record for Co K, 9th Michigan Cavalry this rifle would be in such good condition. After serving in Kentucky, May 1862 to June 1864, the 9th Michigan Cavalry in October 1864 joined on the Atlanta campaign in front of Decatur and Stone Mountain, before traveling south with Sherman's March to the Sea. They skirmished at Macon, Griswoldville, then captured the capitol at Milledgeville, thence escorted General Kilpatrick to Savannah and on into the Carolinas and Johnston's surrender. Essentially the same route that the 8th Indiana Volunteer Cavalry (similarly equipped with Spencer Rifles) also served. This was a hard campaign on men as well as equipment and especially firearms. After months of scouting, foraging and picket duty, the 9th marched to Concord on 14th July 1865 where they were mustered out on the 21st, were sent by rail to Jackson, Michigan, paid and disbanded on the 30th. Of some 1,075 who mustered into  service in May 1863, unit casualties include 2 officers and 26 enlisted KIA, and 2 officers and 154 enlisted from disease.