spencer 1860 army rifle serial #

[JSpencerman]

Having read the Roy Marcot, Spencer book, I have become more informed about the firearms in my collection, but my search has lead me to Cas City Spencer Society post. My Spencer Rifle has serial number 8851 and I am seeking the unit the rifle was assigned to. Any response would help a beginning collector with assistance. Thanks all.

[Two Flints]

Hi JSpencerman,

I won't try to speculate on your Spencer Rifle . . . best I can do is show you the information I took from my SRS books that shows the serial #s for Spencer Rifles within the range of your #8851.  Notice, Serial # 8853 is a carbine!?  SRS serial # findings leave much to the imagination



Perhaps another SSS member can offer you more information.

Best I can do.

Two Flints

[Herbert]

That is the first time I have seen such a low Serial numbered Spencer carbine with goverment documentation ,are there any others

[JSpencerman]

Thanks Pards. New to the site and collectors game. I know this is a keeper. Appreciated your time and energies. Will stay alert for more info on my rifle and hope to share some data myself. JSpencerman

[VIKINGDAUNTE]

Hi.  Could I get some help with my Spencer Rifle?  The serial number is 6563.  I was hoping to find any information regarding this rifle.  Thanks a lot.

[Snakeeater]

That is the first time I have seen such a low Serial numbered Spencer carbine with goverment documentation ,are there any others

Herbert, the lowest (that I am aware) known serial number for the M1860 Carbines is 7886, though there are others with lower serials, including #395 which was reconditioned by Springfield Armory and rendered a 2-band rifle, 1866-74. But the latter looks to have been re-serialized.

http://www.joesalter.com/category/products/Springfield-Spencer-Carbine-Alteration-to-Infantry-Rifle

But what I find most interesting is the unit this other M1860 Carbine (#8853) was issued was a post-war outfit, the 18th Reg't Kansas Cavalry Volunteers, organized in July 1867 at Fort Harker, KS. The unit was mustered into federal service and served with the 7th and 10th U.S. Cavalry during the summer of 1867, and all of the troopers were mustered out and discharged on 15 November 1867.

http://www.kansasmemory.org/item/227826/page/12

http://www.kansasguardmuseum.org/dispunit.php?id=4

https://books.google.com/books?id=ftb3spzLngkC&pg=PA53&lpg=PA53&dq=18th+kansas+volunteer+cavalry&source=bl&ots=t2Aga3hUQj&sig=HnOd5n6bCW0AJHGt33TqBydRWLA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CDMQ6AEwBGoVChMIgprLjL3RyAIVB-pjCh0m8gPh#v=onepage&q=18th%20kansas%20volunteer%20cavalry&f=false

http://kshs.org/p/kansas-adjutant-general-s-office/17319

[pakm]

My friend has one with a serial number of 4815, where would his one has been?? and yes, it's a carbine.

[Herbert]

Most likely a 1865 carbine .Burncide contract or Spencer made with 20 inch barrel.Need to measure barrel length and calibre  to be shore ,some very early 1865 carbines are identical to the early 1863 carbines except for caliber