Another S/N question for Two Flints

[savagefellow]

Hi all, new member here. I've just purchased an original Spencer, and from the info on this board it is one of the 1860 Spencers converted by Sprigfield Armory. First question is for Two Flints, any info on S/N 36133 ? Second question, what were the refinishing methods for Springfield? Did they reblue small parts, and only case harden the action? BTW it does have a 22" bbl relined with 3-groove rifling.
Thanks in advance!
Mike Pearson

[Two Flints]

WOW :oSavagefellow ,

I just checked on your serial # and I have an exact match to your serial # 36,133 .  But, before I get to the information I found, you will first have to read my disclaimer .  Here it is:

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.

Having written all the above, your Spencer Carbine serial # 36,133 was issued or re-issued to a member of Co. I of the 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry on or about June of 1865.  
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and for question #2:  Maybe this information taken from the Roy M. Marcot book, Spencer Repeating Firearms will answer most of your questions.



Two Flints

[savagefellow]

WOW, thanks! That answered everything!! Best I was hoping for was a close guess!
Mike