Spencer rifle

[John Jamieson]

I have a rifle in a 2 band configuration. Action is # 34011, barrel is 37194.I got this from a DGW Antique Arms catalog around1991/92. No evidence of a sling bar. Has the Stabler cut-off. Has a musket type rear sight that is located just in front of the action. No cartouches. I've suspected that it most likely is a Bannerman or bubba conversion. I have seen an identicle one, but that was 15 or so years ago. Any info on the original serial #/
Thanks. John.

[DJ]

It might help if you could describe any markings besides the serial numbers, as well as the location of the barrel serial number, and perhaps post photos.  Otherwise, you'll likely end up with a lot of guesses and speculation.

--DJ

[Trailrider]

What caliber/cartridge and how many lands and grooves in the rifling?

[John Jamieson]

On top of the receiver is: Spencer Repeating Rifle Co, Boston Mass, Pat'd March 6 1860. Barrel serial # is on the left side, above the wood and forward of the receiver. I do have some older pics, on my computer, but no way to add them to a reply. They maybe too large, if I could.

[John Jamieson]

I believe it is in 56-50. 3 groove barrel. There is no lug on the underside of the barrel but the forend does have a recess for one.

[DJ]

The serial number on the left side of the barrel and two-band configuration were standard for the Burnside carbines that were converted to rifles in 1871.  Since the serial numbers are mismatched, and the conversion is on a Spencer rifle receiver with no sling bar, rather than being an arsenal conversion, I would guess that at some unknown time, probably after 1871, someone added one of the conversion barrels to the Spencer receiver.  Hard to tell without photos, and even then it would probably be "best guess."

Is your receiver an 1860 or 1865 style?  There is some historical serial number information for the Model 1860 rifles. 

I have seen Burnside rifle serial numbers ranging from 1809 to 34073, but there were only just over 1100 made, so lots of gaps in that range, and most of them seem to have five-digit serial numbers.  I have not discovered any serial number compilations for the Burnside rifles (or carbines) or for any of the other post-1860 models.