Identified Spencer Rifle # 5801 with an interesting addition to it.

[38OVI]

I have a group of pictures from the Illinois State Military Museum that I asked help in posting.  The Museum has the "Lincoln Board" that was donated by Spencer's family.  There is also a Spencer Rifle # 5801 carried by William Rodgers of Company "C" of the 98th Illinois Mounted Infantry of Wilder's Lightening Brigade.  They carried their rifles on horseback until they reached their position, dismounted, and then fought as Infantry of foot, two to three men in line with one man  holding the four horses.  Number 4 could also be in line if in a really bad situation, after tying up the horses.  This rifle has a small ring attached to the left side of the stock, but it is not a carbine sling ring set-up. 










                                       (Photos posted by Two Flints)

[Arizona Trooper]

A lot of Wilders rifles have the added "expedient" sling ring. It is made by removing the center bedroll staple from the back of a McClellan saddle and screwing it into the stock wrist. (There are three, so loosing the middle one is no big deal). The ring is often one of the leadstrap rings from down by the rider's knees. There are two on the saddle and you really only need one. The ring on this one looks smaller than a leadstrap ring. I have handled a 123rd Ill Co.A rifle with the same mod. His uses the leadstrap ring.