Model 1860 Rifle Serial Number Request: 2503

[djossi@yahoo.com]

Happy New Year, Two Flints!

When you have a moment, I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know if you have anything in the SRS volumes regarding Model 1860 Spencer Rifle serial number 2503.

As always, thank you!
Dave

[Two Flints]

Hi Dave,

Serial # 2503 - quite a few Spencer Rifles lower and higher than your 2503 were all issued to the same unit - either the 6th or 7th Independent Company of Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters (SS).  Looks good for this unit . . . 2-25-1863 (all in 1863).

Dave has read my disclaimer.  Dave Email me if you have any other questions.

Two Flints

[djossi@yahoo.com]

Two Flints,

For the serial numbers that are listed, were they all issued to the Ohio units or are there a few that went to totally unrelated outfits?  Obviously, my comfort level will be much higher if there aren't any "one-offs" mixed in.

Thanks!
Dave

[Two Flints]

Dave,

the serial #s start at 1026 and end at #10273 EVERY Spencer Rifle WAS ISSUED to the same OHIO Unit, either the 5th, 6th, or 7tn Independent Company of Ohio Volunteer Sharpshooters (SSS).  (February or August, 1863)   2 pages devoted to the Ohion unit exclusively

Hope this helps.

Two Flints

[Arizona Trooper]

In one of the other SRS books, 2288 and a bunch in the 2700-5000 range show up in the 9th Mich. Vol. Cav. in Jan. 1865. These were probably reissues of rifles turned in by other units for carbines.

The Ohio Sharpshooters were next in line behind the 5th and 6th Michigan for the initial deliveries of Spencer rifles, and got most of the 2-3000 serial number block, so it's a good chance that your rifle started its service there.

The 6th Ohio SS were known as Gnl. Thomas' Bodyguard, and the 7th as Gnl. Sherman's Bodyguard, functions they served at the battle of Chickamauga.