Looking for serial number info on my Spencer

[L4aeronca]

 I have an original Spencer SN 45855. I would like to find some military issue information on it.
Very good condition. No cartouches except what appears to be an "M" just in front of side ring mount. Has a buckhorn sight on it and its marked as Spencer mfg not Burnside.
Thanks

[Two Flints]

Hi L4aeronca,

What follows is my standard disclaimer regarding Spencer serial # information.  Please (and everyone else, too) read it.  

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.  And that is the best that I can do for you.

If you haven't already done so, please read my disclaimer printed above.

Your Spencer serial # is 45855.  According to my SRS books, your Spencer carbine may have been issued or re-issued to a member of Company F of the 19th NY Volunteer Cavalry on or about September 1865.  I hope this helps.

Two Flints

[L4aeronca]

yes it does. thank you. Its a start for research. I am wanting to go back to the auctioneer and see if he will contact the family who put it in the auction to see what their providence with the carbine was. Here in the Ohio Miami valley we had alot of people come through Cincinnati moving west after the Civial War so maybe thats how a Ny Volenteer ended up around here.
Your old photos were great.
thanks again