Spencer Repeater

[Macon]

I'm hoping someone can help direct me to some information about a Spenser Repeater my family has come into posession of. The rifle we have is a cavalry issue model. I would really like to know who/what military unit it was issued to which might shed light on how it ended up in the middle Georgia area. The serial number appears to be 43284. I can also provide photos if it would be helpful. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Two Flints]

Hi Macon,

"Serial # appears to be "   Please be correct with serial number as best you can be...Specify carbine or rifle, please.  Based on your # it is a carbine, right?

Two Flints

[Macon]

Hi Two Flints,
Thanks for your response. The only number I can find on the carbine is imprinted on the top of the weapon right at the hammer. It seems short to me (I mean, I would think the serial number would be more digits) the number is 43284. The imprint forward of the serial number reads: Spenser Repeating Rifle Co. Boston Mass  Pat'd March 6, 1860.
Are there any other numbers or markings I could look for that I have overlooked?

[Macon]

Sorry I keep spelling Spencer wrong! I'm sure that drives someone who knows what they are talking about (unlike me) crazy!  I corrected your thread title!  TF

[Two Flints]

Hi Macon,

Based upon the serial # of your Spencer 43284, and working from the serial #s that I have, your Spencer Carbine could have been issued to any one of the following three Civil War units:

(43,113 closest to your serial # 43284) - was issued to Co G 72nd Indiana Volunteers on 12-22-64;

(43,405 closest to your serial # 43284) - was issued to Co F 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Cavalry sometime in 1865;

(43,361 closest to your serial # 43284) - was issued to Co G 3rd Iowa Volunteer Cavalry sometime in 1865

Sorry Macon, this is the best I can do.  Not all the serial numbers for Spencers are recorded and there are big jumps between serial #s assigned to Civil War units.

Two Flints