Model 1860 needs verification

[gouldnash]

Hello all!

This is my first post, and I must admit I joined Cas City for this very mission.  Here's a great tale about my ancestor and a question about his rifle.

My ancestor David Lyman Gould served in the 7th Michigan Cavalry.  He served under Custer and rose to the rank of sergeant.  He owned a spencer model 1860 that he emblazoned his initials into (DLG) with brass tacks.  This rifle somehow left our family and came into a collectors hands who ran into my uncle out of pure coincidence.  I feel compelled to get this rifle back into the family but want to verify the details of its manufacture and issue to the US Army.  I want to figure out if he was issued the rifle or if he purchased it after his service.

Serial number 22846

If I could get some help from TWO FLINTS  to narrow down this specifics of the firearm, I would feel much more comfortable valuing it.

Thanks a million!

-Patrick

[Two Flints]

Hi Patrick,

The closest serial # I found to your Spencer Rifle serial #22846 is  #22868: this serial # Spencer rifle was issued to a member of Company G, 105th PA Volunteer Infantry in 1865. 

BTW,  Spencer Rifle serial #s lower and higher than the two given above were also issued to the same unit.

I'm sure SSS members will add additional information and comments, as well.

Hope this helps.

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

[Arizona Trooper]

The 6th Mich. Cav. were the very first units to get Spencers, in January of 1863, followed closely by the 7th. Their serial numbers are mostly between 1000 and 2000. (The Navy rifles are 1-1000, but they didn't get issued until after Michigan's.)

Your ancestor's rifle is in a group that was mainly delivered to Massachusetts. A few in the 22-24,000 range, and in the 28,000 range, went into federal service as replacements for rifles that had become unserviceable (aka - broken). Massachusetts was the first to place an order with Spencer, but Gov. Andrew stepped aside and allowed the federal order to be delivered first.  Their rifles were eventually delivered in late in '63.

Chances are that your rifle was bought surplus after the war. The Michigan cavalry turned in their rifles for carbines not long after the short guns became available. Before Trevilian Station, all of Custer's command was armed with carbines. The rifles were sent west to Mounted Infantry units. At Chickamauga, practically every rifle Spencer had made was on the field of battle, except the Massachusetts rifles.