First Spencer

[Allletters]

Hi everyone,
Just picked up my first Spencer and first Civil War collectible for $1200, sold three old jitterbugs that morning and paid cash after getting it down from $1500, definitely the most I've ever spent on a firearm.

It's 1860 Spencer in .56-56, Two Flints was very kind enough to look up the serial number for me and it shows the weapon was issued to the 2nd New York Volunteer Cavalry in March 1865 to Company M or L. I had a great great grandfather in the 1st Maine Cavalry who fell in a skirmish near Gravelly Run Station in 1865 while fighting as a dismounted troop. From my understanding the Burnside and Spencer were the two most common rifles issued in his unit so I like to think he may have carried one of these.
The carbine is in pretty good shape for it's age, very small hairline crack in the stock and is apparently missing the front barrel band as well as the saddle ring which someone appears to have deliberately removed. The sling swivel in the stock has also been removed and plugged with wood. Metal is in good condition with practically no pitting below the wood line. I did notice after I brought it home (of course) that it has the issue I have seen posted here before of the barrel wearing through slightly next to the extractor. Will need to keep an eye on that when I am able to locate some ammunition. (If anyone happens to have a few rounds of .56-56 they would like to sell I would happily oblige.)
All in all I am very happy about actually owning a real collectible and not just a reproduction, many thanks to two flints for his help and generous knowledge!
1860 Spencer Carbine

[Garret]

Congratulations on your Spencer!  It's nice to have the history behind it.
Hopefully somebody can oblige you with brass or cartridges.
Mine is .56-50 so no help there...besides I don't have enough to spare!!
Enjoy 

[Trailrider]

Are you planning to shoot the rimfire ammo, or getting a centralfire breechblock and wanting centerfire ammo?

[Allletters]

Eventually I want to get a centerfire breechblock since i have not had much luck finding casings to work with rimfire, though i am open to either since the breechblock is expensive. Once I get a breechblock i can always swap between what is available i suppose.