Magazine stock tube and magazine body finish

[Mor-Kik]

I've not found any reference to this anywhere, so I thought I'd ask here.  

Was the surface of the stock tube or magazine body tube finished in some way (such as blueing or plating) or were they left as polished steel?  

As closely fitting as these parts are, I would assume that these would tend to corrode and 'freeze up' without some pretty regular Preventative Maintenance.

Are the modern reproductions doing anything different?

[Ibgreen]

If you are talking about the outer tube, my original M1860 rifle was brass.  My original 1867NM rifle is steel (can't tell if it was finished with due to it being a patina now.

As for original inner tube (removable), I would think that a blued or browned treatment would not have lasted long with the repeated movement of taking it in and out.

[El Supremo]

Wow:
Brass?  That's interesting; very interesting.  Never heard that. 

I recall someone commenting that some outer tubes had asphalt on them, perhaps for corrosion control,  which made removal of the stock a big challenge.

Herbert should be able to help.  His info on brass outer tubes will be eagerly anticipated.

Regards,

Kevin

[Herbert]

Early Spencers had brass outer magazine tubes,not sure when this was changed to iron as some early rifles will be found with iron outer tubes ,I suspect these are latter repairs

[Blair]

My Navy Model Rifle, SS# 667 had an iron Mag tube housing.
A friend of mine has an Infantry Rifle, SS# 1802, it too has an iron Mag tube housing.
I don't know how "early" one would have to go to find brass?

I have seen one with a brass mag tube housing. It was in parts and pieces with no butt stock.
As soon as I saw the brass tube, I just didn't bother looking into it any more. I can say this... it was as Carbine length arm. I also believe it was a replacement part, but by whom? I couldn't began to guess.

I have pulled several butt stocks off various Spencer's that were held in place or had the wood sealed around the "iron' Mag tube housing with Pine Tar or Pine Pitch.
My best,
Blair

[Rim fire]

My Navy Spencer rifle serial number 50 had a brass outer tube, and my current army rifle serial number 2664 has a brass outer mag tube.  I did speak to Roy Marcot about this, and he confirmed in his study that early rifles had a brass tube.  He said he never saw one in a carbine not to say that one doesn't exist.  So I assume by mid '63 they switched to all iron.

[Ibgreen]

My 1860 rifle with the brass outer tube is s/n 4820.  It was a private purchase rifle, so no government reverb is likely.

[El Supremo]

Thanks, guys:
Brass info much appreciated. 
I see the comment about Marcot telling about brass, but does anyone recall this in Marcot's book, and if so, where please?
Regards,
Kevin

[El Supremo]

Hi guys:

It's asking a lot, but since I cannot find any photo's of a brass mag tube, perhaps someone could post one for historical purposes. 

Much appreciated.

Kevin

[Ibgreen]

Here is my brass tube.

[El Supremo]

Tx, IB:
By chance this AM, found one too, and sent it to Two Flints for posting.  

                                                                (Photo Posted by Two Flints)

Regards,

El Supremo

[Blair]

Kevin,

Good photo! This does indeed look like a Factory installation.
Can you tell us the SS#?
My best,
Blair

[Two Flints]

Thanks Blair . . . I had to do some serious editing to get the original photo to look this good

Two Flints

[El Supremo]

The photo was mixed into many when I Goggled "Romano Spencer Rifle For Sale" images.

Clicking on that photo took me to-----CAS/SSS!
Feb 9, 2009
My father in law's old Spencer carbine parts needed. 
By Ridgerunner57
The photo's are attached and reflect serial number 17624.

Take a look.

Regards,
Kevin/El Supremo

[Blair]

Kevin,

Thank you so much for the fallow up.
I believe the brassy color on this Mag. tube housing "maybe" the pine tar coating I mentioned in an earlier posting.
My best,
Blair

[Blair]

Ibgreen,

You too posted some nice photos of your Rifle

I debated whether I should reply because of your statement, "It was a private purchase rifle, so no government reverb is likely."
In this you are correct. No government or Factory rework was involved. However your rifle has been reworked by someone in its lifetime.
I will be happy to discuss this with you, and with what causes me to believe this.
You may PM or email me if you wish to do this on a more private level.
My best,
Blair

[Ibgreen]

Kevin,

Thank you so much for the fallow up.
I believe the brassy color on this Mag. tube housing "maybe" the pine tar coating I mentioned in an earlier posting.
My best,
Blair

Mine just failed the magnet test.  It's brass. 

[Rim fire]

I don't recall if Marcot discussed this in his book, but he did discuss it in a phone conversation I had with him regarding the use of brass outer mag tubes in early guns.   I do know that brass was used as I have seen them on original rifles.v

[El Supremo]

Sorry to keep asking, but were ALL of the outer magazine threads of the square variety, please?
Tx. 
El Supremo/ Kevin

[Blair]

Kevin,

To my knowledge, Yes!
Both for and aft.
Aft being the spanner nut that pulls the butt stock up against the receiver, and on the rear of the magazine tube as well. (just a bit smaller in dia.)
My best,
Blair