My Vintage Spencer Carbine

[TomS]

Hi Folks:
I've been lurking here for a while, and figured it was time to step into the light! I've exchanged a few emails with Two Flints, but wanted to contribute to the forum in a productive way. I have a Burnside Spencer (serial 1014), which belonged to my uncle. The family history on the rifle is limited, but it is generally thought that he bought the gun from a military surplus auction (as a small boy after earning some money from doing chores). It was a rusted hulk, and I had it restored about 15 years ago by a fella in Texas.

If anyone can shed some light on the guns history I'd appreciate it! There are very faint cartouches on the stock, and the initials "P.V." stamped into the underside of the barrel (under the fore-stock). Unfortunately, I could not wrestle the stock off to get a pic of the intials for you guys to see.

Please enjoy the pics, and I am looking forward to getting to know you guys!

Best,
Tom

[SGT John Chapman]

Glad you finally decided to start talking insted of just lurking,...... ....

BEAUTIFUL Rifle you have there!!!...

[major]

Tom
In the 5th picture down you show the top of the gun with the hammer.  What is the round thing sticking out of the side of the hammer? I have never seen this on a Spencer before.
Terry

[TomS]

~ Thanks, John. It's good to meet you!

~ Hi Terry... The hammer is cast in one piece, and the round thing you mentioned is part of the casting. Kind of looks like a safety block, so the hammer doesnt go too far forward?

Say, do either of you guys know what the initials "P.V.", which are stamped into the barrel, mean?

B/R,
Tom

[Short Knife Johnson]

Your fellow in Texas did an outstanding restoration.

Don't know much about Spencers, but would your mystery initials be a factory inspectors cartouche?

[TomS]

Your fellow in Texas did an outstanding restoration.

Don't know much about Spencers, but would your mystery initials be a factory inspectors cartouche?

Thanks for the kind words! The guy in Texas had the thing for about 6 months. I dont recall his name anymore, as it's been many years. He said I could shoot it, but I'd never have the nerve!

I'm thinking you might be right about the inspector's initials. 

B/R,
Tom,
Tom

[SGT John Chapman]

Why wouldn't ya shoot it,.....It's like leaving a vintage car sit and rot in the driveway,.....Warm that Iron up!!....

[Cal Fornia]

Why wouldn't ya shoot it,.....It's like leaving a vintage car sit and rot in the driveway,.....Warm that Iron up!!....

I second this notion.