Spencer Model 1860 Serial number help please

[bigkabuka]

I have a Spencer Model 1860 rifle and I am trying to learn about it's past in order to find it's value.  The serial #24041.  Can anybody be of assistance and help me get started?  Thanks.

[Two Flints]

Hi Bob,

You are now a member of SSS.  Thanks for joining.

Please read my disclaimer.  Here it is:

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 on what I believe to be correct information based upon the information I find in my four volume set of SRS. If the information is lacking in correctness and or accuracy, it ain't my fault. I'm just doing the best that I can do with what I have to work with. And that is the best that I can do for you.

Having written all the above,  as near as I can figure it, your Spencer Rifle, serial
# 24041, was probably issued or re-issued to a member of Company E of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on or about October 1864.

Hope this helps.

Two Flints,  Moderator
Spencer Shooting Society
http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?board=35.0

[Arizona Trooper]

Actually, virtually all of the Spencer rifles in the 24000 and 28000 serial number range were delivered on a State of Massachusetts contract. Mass ordered rifles before the US government, but Governor Andrew deferred delivery so Uncle Sam could get their order first. The 24000 and 28000 rifles were  put together once Spencer had caught up with their US contracts. 

[Herbert]

From what I can gather as soon as the Massachusetts order was deliverd they were loaned to the fedral goverment,as noted by a letter fromGeorg D Ramsay May 5,1864.When they finley recived the rifles I am not sure but what is interesting is a record of perchase fo 500 rifles in 1867(I wonder weather these were new made rifles or from army stores)has any one seen a prooven Massachusetts rifle and noted weather it has goverment inspectors stamps or not