Hi All,
I have a small collection of rifles from various wars and have always wanted one from the Civil War. I really wanted a Sharps but a nice clean original always eluded me. I was at Gettysburg for the 150th. and window shopped the few dealers that sell arms. I saw this Spencer but didn't want to jump on it as it was only the second store I had been in and there were 3 more to go. I checked those others out but they really had nothing that I was looking for. I ran back to the shop and just beat out another guy who walked in 2 minutes after I did said he would buy it if I didn't. I made the purchase and couldn't be happier. It's an 1860 Spencer Carbine that is all original except for the stock which looks to have been done very lightly some time ago. It serial number puts it being issued to Company D of the 12th. Illinois Cavalry in 1864. You can click on the pictures for a larger view.
I asked Two Flints if he had any additional information about this serial number beyond what I already know. He said that this serial number is an "Exact Match" to someone in the unit I mentioned above but we don't the specific person. My family and I going on vacation later in the summer and have to pass right through Springfield, Illinois which is the capital. I plan on stopping there and spending the day and see if I can find the original regimental history and try to track down the original soldier it was issued to.