Serial number request #339

[SteadyHabit]

Friend just bought a Spencer rifle, sn 339, made in Boston, but it's also stamped 1865?

[SteadyHabit]

 Correction:Updated to sn 339

[Two Flints]

If it's stamped with 1865  . . . my research books won't have those serial #s . . .

[SteadyHabit]

Ok, thanks

[Two Flints]

Steady H,

(1)   Can your friend send me photos of his Spencer Rifle? 

(2)   Is there an engraved "anchor" symbol somewhere on the
       barrel? 

(3)   On the underside of the barrel under the forearm is a second serial # . . . is it the
        same as found on the receiver? 

(4)   Is it a rifle or carbine?  What is the length of the barrel?

(5)   Please, need clear, sharp photos of the Spencer.  Especially the receiver area, top,
       bottom and sides. open and closed action.  Send them to me at -
       fsgrand2@fairpoint.net

Two Flints

[Arizona Trooper]

Those low number M-1865 rifles are a mystery. Many have government inspectors markings, but there is no known US contract. I was once in contact with a fellow who said he had documentation of a Mass. state contract for them, but lost touch with him.

Spencer was behind on the US M-1865 carbine contract, so it seems strange that the initial M-1865 production was rifles, but in fact, most of the serial numbers under 2000 are rifles.

[mgmradio]

Interesting as I have Burnside/Spencer carbine # 181. I was under the impression that 200+- Burnside/Spencer's we're delivered days befor the end of the war with more delivered just after.

[38OVI]

How about serial # 80375 on a Carbine?
Thanks.