Hi Two Flints:
Thanks for the rapid response. The painting that you mention is simply a reproduction of a western theme which in this case seems to be a couple of cow-hands packing up for an early start, hitting the trail. I already had that picture hanging in my room and thought the carbine and the painting could complement each other.
Before I received this rifle by UPS, I had already been reading your thread with Cantineflas from San Antonio. His rifle had a serial number that approximated mine. Your present note to me confirms the possibility that his and mine both very well might be from Company I, 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. I was delighted to hear this since I live in the lower Rio Grande Valley (Brownsville) that borders with Mexico. It seems that shortly after the Civil war before mustering out, the 3rd Cavalry was garrisoned in San Antonio and from there they made scouting expeditions for the protection of the frontier. This lasted until 15 February 1866. I bought my rifle up north but it could nevertheless have been used down here on the Border and changed hands up north by a veteran returning home.
There is one thing that does not jive. You say: “In this manner, cavalry regiments, such as the 2nd and 3rd Michigan were issued Spencer carbines (2nd) and Starr carbines (for the 3rd) to replace their Colt rifles.” This reads that the 3rd was issued Starr carbines rather than Spencers.
I hope that was a misprint. If not, Cantineflas and myself might still be out in the dark. Most important, however, we have great rifles.
Yes, I have read, understand, and appreciate your disclaimer.
I certainly appreciate all that you are doing to help people like myself in our research. Perhaps this discussion will affect other holders of 3rd Michigan Cavalry volunteers.
bye
Meromero