Spencer New Model 1867 .50 caliber carbine showing extensive frontier Plains Native American Indian use during the Indian Wars era. The New Model 1867 was the last carbine Spencer made. It was only manufactured in 1868 with a limited production of only 2500. All were serial numbered in the 101000 to 108000 range with this example numbered 106490. Additionally, this model has the correct N.M. stamping on the barrel top at the breech along with worn but legible Spencer markings on the receiver top. This was the last Spencer repeating rifle made for the U.S. Government for the Indian Wars. Surviving examples of this model are few as it had such a limited production and most saw hard service with the Western cavalry. This fascinating example is in uncleaned condition. All exposed metal on the barrel and receiver show a very deep, aged patina with no evidence of having been cleaned. The wrist and barrel are wrapped in sinew sewn buckskin that was obviously applied “wet” or uncured and stitched to shrink when dried for a tight and secure fit. The stitching was done on the bottom of both leather sections and is mostly intact with only small portions of thread erosion and additional wear behind the trigger. Interestingly, the leather was painted green with much still remaining with the balance worn to expose the natural buckskin hue underneath especially on the edges. There is a small row of very aged brass tacks along the sides of the forend leather and around the back of the wrist leather. The butt plate had been removed during its time of use (these frequently put to use as hide scrapers) with the surrounding wood now very aged and worn in where the butt plate had been previously. The hole in the stock for the magazine tube has a similar piece of dried buckskin covering the hole and held in place by three forged iron tacks. The stock also has had the sling swivel removed as well as the saddle ring which is partially covered with the wrist leather. The stock shows great age and wear. It is marked in the center of the right side with an indented or neatly carved horse shoe with a line underneath. This marking also has worn matching green paint inside. This may have been an owners identification mark or a clan marking. The action is stiff but with some light tapping with a mallet to the lever will open revealing a heavy patina to the internal parts and a dark bore with deep rifling intact. The hammer and trigger function correctly. The rear sight and barrel band are missing and covered with the forend rawhide. This is one of the most colorful Spencer Indian guns extant. It is known that many Spencers in Native hands found their way to the famed Battle of the Little Bighorn. Certainly this example was used long and hard leaving behind a wonderful link to America’s turbulent past. A superb example that is not only eye catching, but historically significant. The carbine weighs