Spencer 1860 Rifle Information

[Wingate]

Greetings from the UK!

Firstly many thanks for allowing me to join your forum. I have enjoyed reading the many Spencer threads here.

Recently I was lucky enough to purchase a Spencer Rifle, and Remington 1858 revolver from an elderly gentleman who purchased them in the US during the 1950's.

From reading this forum I believe that my rifle was manufactured in June 1863.

The serial number is *****. I have confirmed this by carefully removing the bottom wood.

My question is, having fully read and understood the disclaimer! Is there any way to know to whom my rifle was issued?

Many thanks indeed for any information available.

Wingate

[Two Flints]

Hi Wingate,

Checked on your serial # and it looks like it may have been issued to Company B, 8th Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, but unfortunately no date was listed with this unit.

Hope this helps.

Two Flints

[Wingate]

Hi Two Flints,

That is excellent! Thank you very much for your time and effort in looking this up, it is much appreciated.

I am off to do some research on the 8th Indiana Cavalry.

Many thanks,

Wingate

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[Wingate]

Hello Two Flints,


It looks like the 8th Indiana cavalry had an interesting war. I hope to find a photograph of some of them with Spencer's to display with the rifle.

Best wishes,

Wingate

[Two Flints]

Wingate,

See if a Regimental History was written about the 8th Indiana Cavalry.  If there is one available, it makes for interesting reading, as I've found out with other Regimental History books I've read.

Two Flints

[Rim fire]

Two flints,
Could you tell me what serial number range the 8th Indiana Cav/39th Indiana mounted infantry was.  Or what was the range for the above rifle.  I gafe a rifle sn 7729, that I believe to be with this unit.
Many thanks.

[Two Flints]

Rim Fire,

The Spencers issued to the 8th Indiana Cav are TOO scattered over TOO many serial #s to list accurately.  Interestingly, I do find a Spencer serial #7728, BUT this is a Spencer Carbine issued to Company E, 11th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry on 08/21/1863.

Not sure what else to tell you . . . ask me more questions. Or send me a PM, or Email.

Two Flints

[Snakeeater]

According to one of the histories written about the 8th Indiana Cavalry was it re-formed in October 1863 from the 39th Indiana (formed 1861) and was part of Wilder's Brigade in May 1863. If that's correct, then most of the regiment would have carried Spencer Rifles, though they could have received some carbines later in the war? That might explain why the serial numbers are so wide spread.