1865 56/50 Spencer serial #20408

[1911tex]

Stamped Spencer Repeating Rifle Company, Boston.  I have owned this rifle since the very late 50's, purchased from a friends grandfather in San Antonio for $67.  I can remember him telling me he owned it since he was in his 20's (I being only 16 and an over the top Texas History military buff at the time..I had 2 nickel Colt 1873's ordered by mail for $26 each 1880s made, delivered to our home, parents unknowing until after received them).  My friends grandfather was very old and in a wheel chair, but at my young age, anyone over 40 was ancient.  I was too stupid to ask the Spencers history at the time, but he did tell me the gun had originally been a horseback Indian wars cavalry rifle which got me excited..the stock shows evidence of that.  NOTE: When I Got home, I found the chamber empty, but 3 very old rim fire cartridges in the loading tube!!!  Still have them in pill tubes!  Long story short, I took very good care of my firearms over the years, sold the nickel Colts for $500 each back in the 90's, again stupid me, I think they are worth 4 times that.  My Spencer never had any rust, very good bore, smooth tight action, screws are not buggered up, just saddle scabbard horseback wear on the stock...no cracks, splits or any other problems.  Real reason for posting, my children and grandchildren have no interest.  Sad for me. Several years ago, Mr. McBride of McBride Guns (very old dealership) in Austin said he had several Texas military collectors that have interest so if I decided to sell, he would buy it.  Bottom line, over the next several months I will decide to sell or not. I have many photos if requested.

[Two Flints]

So why not post a few photos here and only if you have a selling price to add?

Two Flints

[1911tex]

two flints, I tried to submit photos from my cell phone...but for some reason it stated too large?  I will try here again 1 at a time from my photo album:

again...said file too large?  Just cell phone photos on my computer photo album.  Maybe when my grandson visits next, he can figure it out?

Just modified: I sent family pictures from photo album for years text and email..never a problem.  Apologize...Larry

[1911tex]

Hooray for grandson!

[1911tex]

More pics

[1911tex]

A few more pictures

[1911tex]

56/50 rimfire cartridges found in loading tube when I got home with the Spencer!

[1911tex]

Two Flints asked: "So why not post a few photos here and only if you have a selling price to add?"
Two Flints...I have absolutely no clue as to value these days...my grandson said he will research when he has time. 
Thanks, Larry

[barkerwc4362]

Nice clean carbine.  I see it has the stabler cutoff.  You said it has a very clean bore, is the rifling 6 groove or 3 groove.  Six groove would be the original Spencer rifling.  Three groove would indicate that it made a trip to Springfield Armory and was relined (they called it reinforced) by them sometime during it's military life.  If it went back to Springfield there should be an inspector's mark or marks on the butt stock somewhere.   If it hasn't been worn off.  It would definitely be a desirable collector's piece.  Most of what I have been seeing for sale appear to not be in this nice of shape.  Most have lots of pitting on the exterior and bores that are really in need to be "reinforced".
Bill

[1911tex]

Bill...this is an old photo...the Spencer is locked up in our safe for a later time...barrel not visibly lined and looks like more than 3 grooves for certain...maybe your eyes are better than mine if you can enlarge it...I don't have that expertise.  I do remember that under the barrel, under the fore grip, there is the same 20408 serial number as on the receiver.  I remember that when I applied Renaissance museum wax to all surfaces many moons ago.  I do have a picture of that but cannot find it.  When I said very clean bore, that is correct...but not compared to a new rifle!!  Larry