Very Early Spencer Carbine

[ml3rivers]

Hi,

I have a M1860 Spencer Carbine with serial no. 11,624.  From Marcot, it's obviously from the first shipment of 1,000 guns in Oct. 1863.  In all my travels to gun shows and internet searches I'm yet to view another 1860 with a lower S/N (did find one about 10 digits higher). 

Was wondering if anyone else is aware if an earlier carbine exists or if any have been identified with a lower # in the historical records?

Would also welcome any info. regarding the first use of CW "carbines" in battle (since all the info out there seems to focus on the rifles at Gettysburg)?

Thx in advance!

[Jim W]

I have 11418

http://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php/topic,53403.msg647768.html#msg647768

[ml3rivers]

Thanks, Jim ... Congrats on owning the earliest 1860 carbine I'm aware of that still exists!

Maybe Two Flints has more info if an earlier S/N is listed in the Springfield Research Records?

ML

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[Two Flints]

I checked my Springfield series and in volume #4 it shows Spencer Carbines with serial #s 8,12, 15, 50, 81, 97, and so on with more listed low serial #s being issued to Company C, 19th Penna Volunteer Cavalry (no date of issue is shown).

Hope this is what you were interested in seeing.

Two Flints

[ml3rivers]

Two Flints,

I'm curious if your records show any 1860 Carbines in the 11,xxx range below 11,418 ?

Thanks,

ML

[Two Flints]

Yes, 11,011 to 11.876 serial #s most were issued to the 10th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry.

Two Flints

[Jim W]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/864767882

Serial 11392, even earlier than mine!

[ml3rivers]

I've listed mine also ...

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/869524975