For sale is a Model 1860 Spencer lever-action carbine in .56-56 Spencer. Serial number- 25038. This carbine is in good condition especially considering its age! However, there is a large crack in the stock, and many dings and scratches on the stock. This Spencer is a genuine Civil War rifle that was manufactured in 1864. It comes with the original magazine tube and both the serials on the barrel and the receiver match!

This Spencer carbine is a very exciting find! With help from some friends at the Spencer Shooting Society we believe this rifle may have been issued to the 19th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment which is also commonly known as 1st Regiment of Dragoons around October 1864. The 1st Dragoons saw extensive action throughout the Civil War fighting in 64 battles and skirmishes. At the time this carbine would have been issued to the Dragoons they were under the command of Colonel Alfred Gibbs and General Philip Sheridan as a part of the Army of the Shenandoah. This rifle theoretically would have served the Dragoons through the next 6 months of war from the battles of Cedar Creek, Five Forks, to Appomattox Court House! The 1st Dragoons were present at the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia in 1865 meaning this carbine may have also been present at the Surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the conclusion of the Civil War! We cannot completely confirm this Spencer was issued to the 19th New York Cavalry or was present at Appomattox but a Spencer carbine with a serial # 25146 was issued to the 19th New York Volunteer Cavalry in October 1864. It’s exciting to imagine the stories this carbine could tell if it could speak!

The Model 1860 was the first rifle to be formally adopted by a military that used metallic cartridges. Most rifles used by Civil War Armies were muzzle-loading single-shot rifles even though more advanced repeating rifles like the Spencer and Henry were available by the start of the American Civil War. The US Army chose to stick with their muskets. It took an audience between Christopher Spencer (the M1860’s inventor) and President Abraham Lincoln with a demonstration on the White House lawn to convince the Union to adopt the rifle. Lincoln was impressed with it and had a large order of Spencer carbines made for the Union Army from 1863-1865. Mostly used by the Union Cavalry. The rimfire repeater gave the Union a huge advantage over their Confederate counterparts. These are highly collectible for their role in US history! Get one while you can! V2-A1 Barrel Length: 20 Bore condition: Fair Year Manufactured: 1864