Available in this lot for your consideration is a Civil War Model 1860 Spencer Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine. One of the most important and iconic cavalry weapons of the Civil War, the Spencer holds the position of being the first successful repeating long gun to be issued by the United States Government. To quote from the classic book, Flaydermanó»s Guide to Antique American Firearms, One of the most colorful, widely used and popular Civil War firearms, the Spencer received the unique advantage and distinction, after a trial firing demonstration, of gaining the personal endorsement of President Lincoln. Toward the end of the Civil War, the Spencer established itself firmly as the main arm for cavalry use and was widely issued during the Indian Wars era also. It was a dazed, somewhat incredulous Confederate soldier, after capture by Custeró»s 5th Michigan Cavalry at Gettysburg (only outfit armed with the Spencer that day) who is credited with the oft-repeated remark that Spencers load in the morning and fire all day.ó»ó The most desirable of the Spencer models is the true early Civil War Model of 1860. It is easily recognizable from the later, Post-Civil War, Indian Wars Model of 1865 by the fact that it has a 22ó barrel where the later 1865 model has a 20ó barrel. The Civil War Model 1860 also has six groove rifling, is chambered for the .56-56 Spencer Rim Fire cartridge which is actually .52 caliber and has a single sling swivel inletted in the butt stock. Later Spencer arms were typically .50 caliber. Only approximately 50,000 Civil War carbines were made from 1863-1865 and are found in the serial number range of approximately 11000 to 61000. After the Civil War many of these first series carbines had alterations done to change the caliber to .50 by sleeving the barrel and adding a magazine cut-off devise. Unaltered Model 1860 Spencer Carbines are considered quite rare and are always desirable in any condition. This carbine is number 50081 and has not been altered. All early Civil War Spencers were in high demand by the Union Cavalry and all were issued to troops where they saw very hard use. This original .52 caliber example still retains the original sights, 22ó barrel with six groove rifling, saddle ring and correct single sling swivel in the butt stock. The top of the receiver retains the original markings: SPENCER REPEATING/RIFLE CO. BOSTON, MASS./PATó»D MARCH 6, 1860.ó All metal surfaces show a very deep and aged patina. These unique arms were loaded through a tube in the butt plate with seven rim fire cartridges held in place and pushed to the receiver by a spring loaded plunger/magazine tube that fit into the butt stock. This carbine still retains its original spring loaded magazine tube. The stock and forearm show handling, but are sound and unaltered. Overall, this fine original example shows no sanding of the wood or over-cleaning of the metal surfaces. While it shows normal battlefield use, it displays no later abuse or restoration. All mechanical function remains in good working order with strong springs and a tight action. The original ladder rear sight with slide is intact- these usually missing or replaced. Many Spencers were retained by returning soldiers who in turn carried them to the Western Frontier. One of the scarcest and most desirable of the entire Spencer line of rifles and carbines, the true unaltered Civil War Model of 1860 is extremely difficult to obtain in todayó»s collector market. This carbine qualifies as an Antique Long Gun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 50081. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer۪s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.