Info on my Spencer 1860

VIKINGDAUNTE · October 17, 2015, 12:10:40 AM

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. I have a Spencer rifle serial number 6563 that has been in my family since the Civil War. My ancestor was with the Illinois 76th Infantry and was deployed primarily in the western theatre before being mustered out in Gaveston, Tx at the end of the war. I was hoping to get any information I can on the rifle.

Two Flints · October 17, 2015, 04:48:03 AM

Vikingdaunte,

Are you joining my Spencer Shooting Society? Serial # information in exchange for joining SSS . . . fair trade

OOOPPS, I see you've already joined!

Regarding your Spencer Rifle Serial # 6563, closest serial #s to yours I find is #6552, a Spencer Rifle issued to Company G, 72nd Indiana Volunteer Cavalry on May 15, 1863,

and another,

serial # 6571, a Spencer Rifle issued to Company B, 8th Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, no date given.

Hope this helps.

Two Flints

VIKINGDAUNTE · October 17, 2015, 09:42:42 PM

Thank you sir. My relative was with the IL 76th out of Momence IL so it would be fascinating to know how it got into his hands. I'm sure there are thousands of stories like mine.

Blair · October 18, 2015, 07:42:24 AM

VIKINGDAUNTE,

Does your Spencer Rifle have any Inspectors Cartouche on the left side of the stock at the wrist area?

These Cartouches indicate the firearm was inspected and accepted by the Ordnance Department into US service. Such arms could then have been issued out to various US and/or State Units.

However, arms without these stamps will most likely have been sold as private purchases. In some case a large number of these arms could have been sold off for new units. This accounts for SS#'s missing within the records.
Spencer could sell these for a bit more than he was making on the Government Contract.

What I am suggesting is that your Rifle may have been a private purchase?
Hope this helps.
My best,
Blair

VIKINGDAUNTE · October 23, 2015, 05:41:28 AM

Blair,

Nothing on the stock.

To me it's fun to think of the different scenarios how my relative obtained it. In an earlier post I mentioned he was with the 76th IL so who knows. Maybe he procured it on a battlefield in Vicksburg or maybe he won it playing poker. This is a prime example of why I got my Bachelor's in American History.

Thanks guys for taking some time to try and help me out. It is appreciated.

Scott