*** Photos Added *** Need Spencer Relic Information

CosmicArkie · March 30, 2015, 01:59:40 PM

Back story:

I inherited half a dozen rusty old rifles about 25 years ago. The family legend is my grandfather supposedly found them in the 1920's or early 1930's while working for El Paso Gas Co. when he was checking the pipelines running through Cochise County near Douglas, AZ. They were just lying out in the desert after having been dropped by Pancho Villa's escaping soldiers while running from the Federales after the battle near Agua Prieta, just across the border.

The subject of today is:

Spencer, receiver marked with the usual 1860 info; the barrel is marked Model of 1865 and is 24" from the receiver or 25 & 1/2" overall - apparently a shortened rifle with I think a "B" on its underside along with a strange lug soldered underneath as well. It has a copper rod, about 3/8" diameter with appropriate oxidation installed. Serial number is 92826. The fore stock is super short and with a single screw retaining it. It might have had a cap end given the way the end is shaped. No sights were on it when I got it but the rear sight screw is broken off in the mount.

Any information and comments are welcomed. I don't seem to be able to attach or insert photos so I will check with Two Flints.

(Photos Added by Two Flints)

Thanks,

Jim

Any

Blair · March 30, 2015, 03:20:50 PM

CosmicArkie,

Interesting firearm!
Show the arm assembled, at least with the parts and pieces you have. Was it a Carbine? What is the bore dia./caliber
More photos and info, Please?
My best,
Blair

CosmicArkie · March 30, 2015, 03:42:51 PM

Blair, from what I've been able to find, all the carbines are a couple inches too short for this one to have started out life as a carbine. I'm still in the cleaning up stage and the assembly is some days off right now. I'm letting one piece soak in PB Blaster while I work with another piece and then back and forth. The bore appears to be almost .520.

Blair · March 30, 2015, 03:58:13 PM

CosmicArkie,

I understand.
However, some Carbines may have been modified. But, all ex Carbines will have a carbine sling plate on the left side, or evidence that one was present.
Please take your time.
My best,
Blair

Herbert · March 30, 2015, 04:25:56 PM

Gunsmith modified 1867 rifle or carbine,need photos of left side of action(not uncommon to see 1865 barrels on this model)has Lane type extractor and should also have a Spencer cut-off ,the soldered piece under the barrel is for a cleaning rod and has been put there when it was modified ,the fore end would have had a cap to take the rod much lick the half stock muzel loaders of the period.this would have been a very nice rifle in its day and would be worth restoring .Are most of the parts there

Blair · March 30, 2015, 04:42:57 PM

Herbert,

I very much agree! This is, in my opinion, a very interesting firearm. And has great potential.
Which is why I asked for more info and photos of the arm as complete as it is, now.
My best,
Blair

CosmicArkie · March 30, 2015, 05:40:53 PM

No sling plate on left side, which is another reason I was suggesting it started life as a rifle. It is complete except for the sights and the inner mag tube/end/spring, etc.

Herbert · March 30, 2015, 07:55:23 PM

Yes a rifle.Should be a matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel(not always for sum reason )Spar parts that you need are available from S&S and others.That wood looks dry,a bit of boiled linseed oil rubbed in over a couple of weeks would do wonders.Keep us up to date on the restoration

CosmicArkie · March 30, 2015, 08:44:38 PM

It ain't a Spencer but it is assembled - a Flobert .22 "gallery gun". Can you imagine going to war with a single shot .22? And not even a long rifle .22. This thing probably couldn't even kill someone on its best day. It was out there on the desert, too.

Herbert · March 31, 2015, 12:59:57 AM

I have one of those Florbert rifles,they were made for indoor target shooting in the late 19 century early 20th century.I use mine to teach the gran kids how to shoot rats on the run in the barn with CB caps,they are doing vey well at it, my only problem is to explain they are not allowed to shoot my old ginger cat

CosmicArkie · March 31, 2015, 09:29:47 AM

Here's a shot of the piece cleaned up as it appeared when found.

Herbert · March 31, 2015, 03:14:38 PM

Should have no trouble reproducing a for stock or missing part from that photo.Is the cleaning rod copper,also I am surprised the top of the barrel is not marked by the gunsmith who did such a good job on the conversion

CosmicArkie · March 31, 2015, 03:20:47 PM

Yes, the rod is copper and has been there a looooong time. I'm really torn between replacing the wood and just leaving it as is. I was unable to get the butt stock off with the mag retainer rusted SOLID and it has a hole in the left side where you can see the outer mag tube, so for the time being, I'm just going to leave it as is and hang it on a wall.

Back to working on the Sharps and Rolling Block.