Wilder Brigade/72nd Indiana Myster

[djossi@yahoo.com]

Sorry folks,

As it turns out, the mystery has already been solved by Two Flints, Arizona Trooper, and Herbert -- see the discussion regarding serial number 8573 in the post entitled "1860 Spencer Carbine serial number" from 31 October. 

However, I do want to raise an issue regarding the serial number.  In their description of the carbine, the store that is selling it states that the serial number is actually 18573.  As they put it, "the number '1' is barely visible due to a nick."  I've attached a photograph of the serial number from their website in order to get some second opinions because no matter how hard I try I can't pick out the number "1".

However, they go on to say that they "disassembled the gun and found the above number to be correct."  Which leads to my question: Is the serial number stamped in a second location that is only visible if you disassemble the carbine?

Dave J

[Ibgreen]

What is the s/n under the front stock say?   

[Trailrider]

Looking at the right edge of the "nick", one could argue that there is a "1" there. BUT...if that is a 1, there is a bit too much space between the 1 and the 8, compared with the spacing of the other numerals. JMHO.

[Two Flints]

The serial # can also be seen on the underside of the barrel, once the front stock has been removed.

[Snakeeater]

I for one would like to see what serial number is on the underside of the barrel. In visiting the Horse Soldier website, and looking at the photo even at 200% plus the zoom feature, I do not see any evidence of a numeral character in the place of a missing first digit. If you observe the kerning space (i.e. the spacing between characters or its indexes), the kerning is nearly equal in width to of each numeral character, which when you then focus on the "blank" space where the alleged "1" would have been, there is not only no evidence of the vertical shaft of the numeral, there is also no evidence of the serif at the top or base at the bottom of the numeral, which would have (noting the kerning indexes) have occurred to the right of the vertical nick and to the left of the bright (smooth) spot to the left of the first digit.

I see no evidence in the surface that supports there having been another digit to the left of the "8". The dark brown vertical "nick" as some have called it is too far to the left to have obliterated a alleged first digit. I do certainly agree that there is considerable wear in this area, noting how the bottom of the numeral "8" is almost abraded away, and also a portion of the numeral "5" is worn away. As I said, I want to see what serialization is provided on the underside of the barrel.

http://www.horsesoldier.com/products/identified-items/firearms/8488

[KEN S]

I've been working on antique guns for decades, and there is no 'one' there..   Some vestige of it would remain, considering the depth of the remaining numbers.   while not 100%, you have to go with your gut and what's there.  and no ONE is there..
    Ken