*** Photos Added *** 1865 Burnside Spencer Carbine

[paledun]

Hello the camp.  As the proud, new caretaker of an 1865 Burnside Spencer Carbine, I am attempting to locate any information on the carbine beyond that already available in Roy Marcot's book, Spencer Repeating Firearms. The top of the receiver is stamped, "MODEL 1865 Spencer Repeating Rifle etc as pictured in Marcot's book.  The serial number is 127XX on the receiver behind the cartridge guide is confusing.  Marcot states Burnside supplied 30,496 carbines in total with 16,008 without Stabler cut-off and 14,494 with cut-off (math of deliveries and total does not add?). The Stabler cut-off is considered an improvement by Marcot so I assume the 14,494 were last in the production run.  This carbine, number 127XX has the cut-off.  Anyone have any information that may indicate the deliveries with and without cut-off were numbered separately?  Other marking include an "A" behind the serial number but not necessarily attached to the number.  The figure "&" is located on the top of the upper breech block and just forward of the cartridge guide.  The numbers "78" are stamped on the left side of the lower breech block.  A very small "B" is stamped behind the hammer.  If pictures would help, I with take them and ask TwoFlints to post them as I have no idea how that is done.  For those with Burnsides, any of this on yours as well?  Thanks for the assistance.  Paledun

[Herbert]

I am not positive(I have no written evidence) but I think the A stamp withe the serial number is a Sprinfield repair or upgrade mark this would all so go along with it having a Stabler cutt off in that serial number range as any Spencers returened for repair to Sprinfield had the cutt off instaled if they were to be put into stores or back in service.The & mark on top of the breach block is the S&S firarms mark for there early centerfire conversion blocks,so if you want to shoot it it ready to go,if you want a original rim fire block these are available from S&S,Dixie and others.Not shore of meaning of the 78(have not seen it before) but the letters stamped on parts are inspection marks