First Spencer- need Information please

[akienow]

I was given a Spencer from my uncle and I am trying to date it.  It has a 20in length barrel so I thought that put it at least at 1865 and a serial number of 63603.    I am not sure if it is an 1867M since I am not sure what the Lane patent extractor looks like.  Just starting to research so any help is appreciated.

[Herbert]

63603 would put it in the civil war modle range it should have a 22 inch barell are you measuring from the chamber end,if you are it has been rebareld to 56-50 not uncomon,if it has a 22inch barell it can be 56-56 or one relined by springfield for 56-50

[akienow]

I was not measuring from the chamber end and when i remeasured it is a 22 inch barrel.  Thanks for the tip. Any idea how to tell if this serial number was issued during the civil war and if so to whom? 

[Two Flints]

Hi akienow,

PLEASE READ MY DISCLAIMER, CAREFULLY

Some time ago I acquired the four volume set of the Springfield Research Service (SRS) Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms. I purchased the set so I could help SSS members identify which unit their original Spencer Carbine or rifle was issued or assigned to during, and perhaps, after the Civil War.

Unfortunately, not all the Spencer serial numbers are listed in the four volume set I own. And, there are gaps between indicated serial numbers. This paragraph is a DISCLAIMER of sorts. As a courtesy to SSS members, I am happy to reveal to you the information I have regarding the serial number of your Spencer carbine or rifle. But, please remember, I am just regurgitating what I read in my SRS volumes with some "unscientific conjecture" on my part . What I do is the following: I take your Spencer serial number and try to place it in between the two closest serial numbers to yours listed in my SRS volume. In most cases, if the serial numbers for the Spencer before and after your own serial number were issued to the same unit, I assume your Spencer went to the same unit. Or, if your Spencer serial number is very, very close to another Spencer serial number, I assume your Spencer went to the same unit. I call this the "Two Flints guesstimation").  I'm guessing and estimating at the same time on what I believe to be correct information based upon the information I find in my four volume set of SRS.  If the information is lacking in correctness and or accuracy,  it ain't my fault.  I'm just doing the best that I can do with what I have to work with.  And that is the best that I can do for you.

Regarding your Spencer Serial #,  I already checked my Spencer Serial # books, and your serial #63603 is one of those that is very difficult to research.  

Closest to your serial #63603 I show a serial #59867, a Spencer Carbine, issued to a member of Co. G of the 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry and then the next serial # is 88566 (quite a big jump), a carbine issued to a member of Co. M of the 2nd New York Volunteer Cavalry.  A good number of Spencer Carbines with serial #s lower than 63,603, 59,004-59867 were all issued to Co G of the 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry.  

So, you might assume that your carbine was assigned to a member of the New York Volunteer Cavalry  Which unit  Why not go with Co G of the 18th NY Volunteer Cavalry    It's a good starting point  Did you read my disclaimer 

Two Flints

[akienow]

Thanks Two Flints - understand disclaimer and I am thankful for the information you could provide.  I can take it from there.  I will post what I find out.  Thanks again.