Hello SSS,
I received the following Email from Mr. Mark R. Henry of the Ft Huachuca Museum.
"The FT Huachuca Museum has an option on a M1865 Spencer sn# 8609. The barrel is stamped M1865. No Burnside markings. I can't find any markings on the wood. Has a stabler. 6 groove barrel. How do I know if this is a rebuilt 1860 of new made in 1865? Can you id a unit based on the SN#?"To which I responded:
Hi Mark,
"Does your M865 Spencer have a "Stabler Cut-off Switch" located just ahead of
the trigger? I would need to see photos of the wood and receiver area to
really determine the answers to your questions. My guess is that it is a
new Spencer - "the first Model 1865 Spencer Carbines were delivered to the
US Ordinance Department on April 3, 1865. All were issued after the close
of the Civil War. These deliveries continued until January, 1866. Your
Spencer could have found its way out West with the US Cavalry or with
civilian owners. But no records exist for the M1865 Spencers!
Photos and more measurements would have helped. Length of barrel from
receiver to end".
To which Mark responded:
"19" barrel. As I mentioned, it has a stabler. Barrel marked "M1865" Action marked "Spencer.." Not a Burnside. Photo will follow. Ok, no records on SN# on M1865 Spencers"? According to Mark, photos will be Emailed to me and I will post them to aid in identification. I would appreciate any help from SSS experts to help identify this Spencer.
Received this photo from Mark:
Two Flints