*** Photos Added *** Just got a Spencer Carbine trying to get some info

Eagle423 · February 25, 2015, 01:35:56 PM

Just got a Spencer carbine and trying to find out something about it.

Manufactured in Mass per the stamp on the receiver. It has a 22" barrel. It has 6 rifling groves. It does not have the magazine cut off in front of the trigger. It does not have the sling swivel on the stock. The rear site goes up to 8. Everything tell me its an 1860.

Now he is the part that confuses me. The serial number on the receiver and barrel match and it is 1554. From what I have found, this should be a Burnside from RI because the 1860 serial numbers started with 11,000. The gun does not have 1865 stamped on the barrel or the receiver. The inspector for the gun was EAW.

As far as I can tell everything about the carbine is 1860 except the serial number. Did they continue to issues carbines from Mass with Burnside serial numbers while the RI plant was coming up to speed? Did the RI plant get the parts from Mass and issue 1860's from RI while they were coming up to speed on the 1865's.

Trying to figure out what I have and who it was issued too.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide me.

Herbert · February 25, 2015, 02:22:49 PM

The first 1865 Spencers were hybrid Model 1860 carbines and not yet true M1865 carbines,they will have 22 inch barrels but be chambered for 56-50,no 1865 mark and serial number below 2000 (from Roy Marcots SPENCER REPEATING FIREARMS)

Eagle423 · February 25, 2015, 02:34:37 PM

I have ordered that book. It is supposed to be delivered Monday.

Blair · February 25, 2015, 02:44:02 PM

I would suspect the same think.
Early production Spencer manufactured M-1865, using (mostly) M-1860 parts and pieces with the new model serial numbering.
Which started out all over with SS#1.
My best,
Blair

KEN S · February 26, 2015, 05:00:37 AM

I have a Burnside Carbine, # 1938
Burnside markings, part buffed off when Springfield refinished it.( exactly as show in the book)
20 inch, 3 grove barrel, sharp rifling
sling swivel on butt
56 50 cal.
it has the stabler cutoff, but was probably put on at Springfield considering the low serial number.
# 320 stamped on butt stock near butt plate. 1/4 inch high stamp. See photos posted by Two Flints:

The gun is in sharp condition, no rust or spots. and no other markings. no 1865 date. I'm just wondering if anyone else has such markings, of where they may have come from. They are period markings. sn 1938, Burnside, no 1965 date, markings partly buffed off as per Springfield refinish, three groove rifling, sling swivel, 56 50.

Very accurate by the way. any other Burnside's out there...post the info....

KenS

Eagle423 · February 26, 2015, 09:23:07 AM

Ken, the two photos added are not of my carbine. It is serial number 1554. It has the 6 groove barrel, not sling swivel and no stabler cutoff.

KEN S · February 28, 2015, 06:06:48 AM

I know Eagle. I sent them to Two Flints to post. I don't want to hijack your post.
The carbine I own is close in sn to yours, but has those butt markings...
I also have a post asking for similar markings.
Nice gun, baby it...mine is a regular shooter...Ken

Eagle423 · March 07, 2015, 09:00:45 AM

Here are some pictures of my carbine.

Eagle423 · March 07, 2015, 09:09:38 AM

Trying again

Eagle423 · March 07, 2015, 09:31:22 AM

Still trying

Eagle423 · March 07, 2015, 09:33:43 AM

Some more think I figure out the picture. Click n picture to make it bigger

Eagle423 · March 07, 2015, 09:35:13 AM

last set

Blair · March 07, 2015, 10:01:19 AM

Eagle423,

Look closely at the butt stock area (where the butt stock swivel would or should be).
I'll bet you will be able to see where the screw holes are, used for holding that swivel in place. Now the holes may have been filled or plugged, but you should still be able to see where they were.
My best,
Blair