2020 September Premier, Volume I

Investment Quality Spencer Army Model 1860 Repeating Rifle
LOT 137
Exceptionally Fine Civil War U.S. Spencer Army Model
1860 Repeating Rifle - Serial no. 9358, 52 cal., 30 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. These innovative
rifles were manufactured for the U.S government in
1863 and 1864 within primarily the 700-11000 serial
number range. It was this pattern of Spencer rifle
that was carried by some of Custer’s 2nd Brigade of
Michigan Cavalry at the battle of Gettysburg, when they
successfully prevented the Confederate cavalry from
outflanking the Union army, as well as being the pattern
believed to have been personally tested by President
Lincoln. These rifles were also carried by the “Lightning
Brigade” commanded by Colonel John T. Wilder, who
said of the rifles, “My men feel as if it is impossible to be
whipped, and the confidence inspired by these arms added to their terribly
destructive capacity, fully quadruples the effectiveness of my command.” Though
initially not widely accepted, successes such as these led to the U.S. Ordnance
Department purchasing 11,470 of these rifles, becoming the most successful
repeating longarm of the Civil War. This exceptional example has a blade front sight that
doubles as a bayonet lug for fitting an angular/socket bayonet, six-groove rifling, three barrel
bands, folding ladder rear sight, the three-line Spencer address and patent marking on the
top at the breech, the serial number on top of the receiver behind the ejector
cutout, smooth buttstock with the standard 7-round tubular magazine inserted
through the buttplate, and sling swivels on the bottom of the buttstock and
middle barrel band. There are two U.S. inspector cartouches visible on the left
side of the wrist, these being “HHH” and “DAP”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% original blue finish and 70% of
the original case color patterns primarily on the sides of the receiver with the
balance mostly a smooth grey patina. The wood is very fine with raised feathered
grain, some minor storage dings and scratches scattered throughout and
clear cartouches. Mechanically excellent. An extraordinary example
of one of the most innovative firearms of the Civil War!
There are very few finer examples!
Estimate: 15000 - 25000
140