2 Spencer’s… but which models?

[jsgwoodsman]

Hello everyone, I'm new here. Thank you for having me.

I'm equated with a gentlemen that has asked me to try to find I for
Action on his 2 Spencer carbines.

I've collected guns over a 4 decade period but must say I've never dipped my toes into the Spencer carbine waters. I know absolute nothing about how to tell one model from another. I'm aware that some records are available for certain models. And I've read that if used during the war, there might be some method of tracking down info related to that - but that's about where I hit the brick wall.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

I'll follow this post with a couple pictures of each firearm. I have the serial number for one but can't make out the other guns SN because of my blurry photo.

Thanks all!

[jsgwoodsman]

Here are pics of the first:

[jsgwoodsman]

Here's the second :

[Two Flints]

JSGWoodsman,

Send me a photo of the ENTIRE tops of the receivers of both Spencer Carbines that show the ENTIRE receiver top.  You have my email address.

Another option, remove the wooden forearm and the serial # also appears on the underside of the barrel for maybe a better look.

Two Flints

[Arizona Trooper]

The first one is a Model 1860 carbine. That serial number doesn't show up in the Springfield books. Nearby numbers are listed in the 3rd Mich and 11th Ky Cav. This carbine should have a 22" barrel (measured from the face of the breechblock). If it is still 52 caliber, it will have 6 groove rifling. Many were updated and sleeved to 50 caliber with 3 groove rifling. The second carbine is either a Model 1867 or New Model. This one should have a 20" barrel. The rear sight is flipped over backwards. If you flip it toward the muzzle, you should find either M-1867 or N.M. stamped on top of the barrel just ahead of the receiver. These later model carbines were never bought by the government, so the serial number wouldn't be in the SRS books. They were popular with civilians (especially out west) and militia units. Looks like both are in nice shape.

[jsgwoodsman]

Thank you both for your responses!

I believe 20" gun is a New Model vs. a M-1867 now that I took a second look at my photos and see an N.M. stamp on the breech end of the barrel.

I'll have to make another visit and check on the serial numbers under the handguard/forearm and will report back with that info. Along with better photos of the stamps and a report of the rifling.

The owner says he has some paperwork tying the 1860 carbine to military use, but I haven't seen the documents. I'll try to get a photo of that as well.

Until then, much appreciation!