*** Photos Added *** Spencer rifle mid-barrel band stamped "M"?

Started by El Supremo, January 09, 2017, 12:40:05 PM

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El Supremo

Hello:

I have a low numbered RIFLE with an upper-case "M" stamped at 9:00 relative on the left side of the middle barrel band.  The other two bands are unmarked.  Will email a photo to Two Flints for attachment.

Can someone with knowledge of this mark please share the significance?



                                              (Photos posted by Two Flints)

Many thanks,

El Supremo / Kevin Tinny
Pay attention to that soft voice in your head.

Rim fire

I have seen that on late Sharps rifles and Spencer carbines.  Either a sub inspection mark or a piece work marking for the worker to be paid for the parts made.  I just picked up a Spencer rifle serial # 24015, and the bands have no markings other than the punch mark on the face of the band at the shoulder to oriented which way the band goes on the rifle as they are tapered inside.

El Supremo

Thanks, Rim Fire and Two Flints:

Will have to see if the punch mark is there.  

Regards,

El Supremo / Kevin Tinny
Pay attention to that soft voice in your head.

Rim fire

By the way, that looks like a beautiful rifle.  What is the serial #?

El Supremo

Sorry, Rim Fire, I was focused on the band.  Two Flints also wondered.

Am a shooter and no longer a collector. 

It is Romano 1860 Spencer, frame number 10021 in unfired, mint condition, built for Charles Garvey of Metarie, LA. 
Larry told me that he mistakenly pulled an original mid-barrel band from his box of bands, but had no idea about the "M".  He has originals and original parts for restoration work.  As far as he recalls, this band in the only instance of him (accidentally) using an original part in any of his modern repro's.  All of his work is clearly identified with his name so they will not be mistaken for originals.  During the recession, he shared that he was enroute to the Baltimore Gun Show with two new carbines that people failed to pay for.  So ..... now I also have two of his carbines, 10031 and 10032.  All three have 32" rifling twist and will drive tacks at 50 yards with his 310 grain bullet. 

No more of his Spencers are available.  The final two receivers in his shop are spoken for.  One for me and one for another shooter.  He makes every part in his guns.  No parts, even screws, are purchased.  His shop is huge and impressive.  Either he or Turnbull do the color-case, which is quite deep.  All but the barrel and certain lock parts are 8620.  Lock parts are through-hardened S-7 tool steel and barrels are 4140.  Black walnut wood. 

His rifles and carbines, especially First Model Maynards, with the rear peep sight and long sight radius are widely and consistently used to win at N-SSA skirmishes. 

Regards,
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny






Pay attention to that soft voice in your head.

Rim fire

Thank you for the detailed response.  I usually stop in at Ramono's both at the N-SSA nationals in Winchester.  Great work!  You know what you are talking about when it comes to Spencers.

Walksfire

When I read this post, it caused a memory flashback. So I pulled out my 1860 original Carbine and found the identical "M" marks on several parts. They are on the right side of the gun on the lever by the screw that actuates the lower breech mark. The lower breech block also has the same "M" stamp. I remember the top breech block also had an "M" stamp, but it is now lost, after I converted over to centerfire. I just found another "M" on the left side of the gun right in front of where the saddle ring attaches to the main body (receiver?)

I was told at on of the Gun Shows at Chantilly VA, that the mark was done by an Armory to keep parts together when being disassembled/inspected. That would mean to me that other Spencers or rifles of the era would have other letters from the stamp box.

Blair

Hi Kevin,

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier...

I have not seen the "M" stamp on any Spencer rifle or carbine barrel band that I can recall.
However, with that being said, the one barrel band that 'might' be stamped with an Inspection mark like this would be the middle band for Rifles. This is because it is the only band fitted with a swivel that 'may' require an inspection to insure that it functioned correctly.
I hope this may help?
My best,
Blair
A Time for Prayer.
"In times of war and not before,
God and the soldier we adore.
But in times of peace and all things right,
God is forgotten and the soldier slighted"
by Rudyard Kipling.
Blair Taylor
Life-C 21

Rim fire

As I mentioned earlier, I have seen the m stamp on Spencer and Sharps rifle bands.  The 1860 rifle I just picked up has a J stamped on the left side of the receiver, and an R on the lower and upper breech block.  Nothing on the bands.  I have seen the M stamped on Spencer rifle and carbine receivers.

El Supremo

Thanks to all for some very useful info that is not in Marcot:

There is a wonderful knowledge base here.  It appears that all we have to do to access it is ASK.

So happy,

El Supremo / Kevin Tinny
Pay attention to that soft voice in your head.

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