Serial # 56721, check for a 1860 spencer carbine

[modeltgary]

Hello, I'm new, so bear with me if I do something wrong. New to forums and using computers.
I bought this spencer carbine "model 1860" serial # 56721  at a farm consignment auction. It has six riflelings which are sharp and bright. Wood is good. No hammer. A DAP cartouche and one I can see but not read.   I will send a complete set of pictures just as soon as I can figure out the process to do so. I hope to be of help to SSS. I want to have major items for research of the civil war. Carbine is not for sale.
Many, many thanks
Modeltgary

[Two Flints]

Hello modeltgary,

First of all read my disclaimer here

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,49949.0.html

OK, now, regarding your serial # 56721 . . . the closest serial # shown to yours in my SRS books is #56722. a Spencer Carbine issued to a member of Company G, 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry on May 10, 1865 . . . however, a number of Spencer Carbines with serial #s lower and higher than your #56721 were also issued to Company D, 6th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry in 1865 (no day or month given) and the closest serial # of these Spencer Carbines to your #56721 is #56750.  Hope this helps!

So, perhaps, your Spencer could have been issued to either unit . . .  but, read my disclaimer!

Two Flints

[modeltgary]

Two Flints,
Thank you for your time to do a serial # check  for me, many thanks. I will trace the 18 New York Vol Cav to their muster out in Texas. Then I will do Illinos 6 Vol Cav.

Just a comment on replacement hammers for spencers which are available from various part suppliers. They all seem to be lost wax cast, therefore, are slightly under size, including the square hole. I filed the bottom and back sides of the hammer mounting hole when at half cock. This moved the hammer up and to the front of the gun. A perfect fit. The replacement hammers are of the 1865 style,
so I"ll be looking for a used correct hammer in the coming years.

Thanks again
Modeltgary