Spencer Rifle

[SgtMak]

I just recently picked up a nice 1860 spencer rifle with #24015. Does this show up in the records. Any help be appreciated.

[DJ]

I don't find a match in my records. 

Spencer made a group of rifles in the range between approximately 22,XXX and 24,4XX that are often called "Massachusetts contract" guns.  References indicate that Massachusetts put in a fairly early order for 2,000 rifles, but when they were ready, the federal government asked for and received them.  Massachusetts was promised a replacement order, which were the "Massachusetts contract" guns.  Most of those were also reportedly turned over to the feds, but unit historical information indicates that at least some of the ones in the 23,XXX range ended up in the hands of the 57th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

[El Supremo]

Hello:
Original Spencer rifle number 2250X, which I have shot, has acceptance cartouches and in original mechanical configuration cycles cartridges, but its original upper rimfire block is so different in its critical dimensions that normal dimension substitute center fire blocks from two respected sources required significant machine shop skill to modify one to fit. If purchasing a suspected "Mass" one, and will swap blocks, might be wise to arrange return privileges.  Smiles.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

[Arizona Trooper]

There is an interesting letter in Marcot's Spencer book on pg. 67 (second ed.) from Brig. Gnl. O. Edwards to Brig. Gnl.  R. A. Pierce, the Mass. state chief of ordnance. He reports in June of '65 that the 37th Mass. Vol. Inf. had been armed with Spencer rifles (presumably the 22-24,400 rifles) since July of '64. It concludes with the comment; "The Rifles now mostly are property of the men...". They had bought them with their muster out pay.

[38OVI]

In Warren Wilkinson's book " Mother, May You never See the Sights I have Seen", 57th Massachusetts, Company "K", The "Sharpshooter Company" has three Spencers listed by serial number and who they were issued to in 1865.  From the "Roster" section at the back of the book:  P. 604 #35  Pvt Francis Moore Harrington # 23978;
P. 613 # 67 Corp. Henry H. Potter # 23816; P. 614 # 72  # 23677 until commissioned 1st Lt. Co. "B" and turned in rifle to the company 5 January 1865.

[38OVI]

OOPS!  P. 613 #67 Corporal Henry H. Perry  #23816   

[Trailrider]

Hello:
Original Spencer rifle number 2250X, which I have shot, has acceptance cartouches and in original mechanical configuration cycles cartridges, but its original upper rimfire block is so different in its critical dimensions that normal dimension substitute center fire blocks from two respected sources required significant machine shop skill to modify one to fit. If purchasing a suspected "Mass" one, and will swap blocks, might be wise to arrange return privileges.  Smiles.
El Supremo/Kevin Tinny

When I bought the conversion breechblock for my Spencer M1860 Carbine, I found it necessary to do a slight amount of modification by carefully filing the mating surface. At the time S&S instruction said it might be necessary.