Copeland /Custer/ 5th Michigan Spencer

[WCR]

Good luck with gaining a majority regarding the history. I share your pain in that regard.
Your other question regarding the condition of the rifle has attracted little input, and that to me is just as important.
I would search for an original and  correct rear sight and mag tube, and leave the stock as it, unless you want to shoot the rifle, and if so, then buy a modern day stock, use it when you shoot the rifle, and when it's retired and part of your collection, then put the original stock back on the rifle. You can always sell the butt stock after you no longer need, same for the centerfire breech block that will be needed to fire the rifle.
You have a great find, and a lot more history than most of us can find. Be sure to write it all down for the future generation to read and enjoy.
WCR

[powder pounder]

Thanks WCR!
That is pretty much the direction that I'm headed in with the rifle. So far, I did find an "original" vintage buttstock and mag tube but the price for the two was a significan fraction of what I had invested in the whole rifle so I passed on them. If I end up replacing them with original parts I'll just buy a parts gun, and then sell what's left over. It's probably cheaper that way in the long run. Otherwise I'll just buy a replacement stock and tube and keep the original stock as is. I did find a source for an original rear site reasonably priced. Meanwhile, I've been looking for an original copy of the magazine article. If anyone one has one they would be willing to sell me please let me know. I figure that is probably a good thing to have with the rifle if I ever want to sell it or pass it on. 

[Two Flints]

Powder Pounder,

Which article are you looking for . . . "Meanwhile, I've been looking for an original copy of the magazine article,"  am I missing something

Two Flints 

[powder pounder]

Which article are you looking for . . . "Meanwhile, I've been looking for an original copy of the magazine article,"  am I missing something

Two Flints, I've been looking for an original issue of Man at Arms, number 5, Sept/Oct 1997. The issue that had the  Michigan Spencers article in it....

[Two Flints]

Powder Pounder,

I'm looking for it too.  Maybe at the next gun show I attend, a dealer will have it for sale

Two Flints