Another Spencer pic

[Jbar4Ranch]

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I think that is a Horetsky photograph,  I am out for a bit but will check.

[RattlesnakeJack]

I think that is a Horetsky photograph ....

It is, indeed, Sir Charles ..... this is the full photo -




Detail of the chap with the Spencer -




Another detail, confirming the identity of the photographer -




I believe that Spencer is one of the Spencer rifles and carbines acquired by Canada (and/or by Britain for the use of Canada) in 1866 for issue to Canadian Militia during the Fenian Raids.  Once the tens of thousands of newly converted Snider-Enfield rifles arrived from Britain in 1867 (and were issued re-arm the Militia by the end of that year) the Spencers were withdrawn.  However, a number of them were issued to the Scout Corps composed almost entirely of Metis plainsmen which was formed for service with the British Boundary Commission survey (and also other survey parties as evidenced by the Horetsky image.)

[Two Flints]

Gentlemen,

Thank you indeed for the thread and photos!

Two Flints

[RattlesnakeJack]

Speaking of the Model 1865 Spencer firearms acquired in 1866 for issue to Canadian Militia during the Fenian Raids, it is interesting that of the estimated total production of only about 3,000 rifle-configuration Model 1865's (i.e. as opposed to carbines) no less than 2,000 of them went to Canada!  Canada itself purchased 1,300 carbines, while Britain paid for another 1,000 carbines and 2,000 rifles for the use of the Canadian Militia, all of them being subsequently transferred outright to Canada in 1870.

The Toronto-based Queen's Own Rifles of Canada were one unit issued with Spencer rifles for a relatively short time. (For reasons of logistical consistency, all of the Peabody, Spencer and Starr breech-loaders hastily acquired in 1866-67 were withdrawn from service fairly quickly, and replaced with .577 Snider-Enfield rifles obtained from Britain in 1867.)  I have posted this image elsewhere, I believe, but here is a studio portrait of a QOR Rifleman with Spencer rifle -