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Lot 190:Arsenal Pattern Gun U.S. Spencer 1860 Repeating Carbine

May 19th, 2023|Rock Island, IL

Lot 190:Arsenal Pattern Gun U.S. Spencer 1860 Repeating Carbine

May 19th, 2023|Rock Island, IL

Price Realized:

Estimated Price$30,000 - $45,000

Rare Historic Documented War Department Pattern Gun U.S. Civil War Spencer Model 1860 Repeating Saddle Ring Carbine

This rare Spencer Model 1860 carbine is identified as a War Department pattern gun, and the top of the breech end of the barrel is bearing a flaming bomb stamp above "W.D" (War Department) surrounded by an oval and "1864" in three lines. An accompanying copy of an official government letter by noted U.S. Ordnance inspector William A. Thornton, dated June 9th, 1864, identifies this exact carbine by serial number in which he states, "I have the honor to inform you I have inspected two Spencer carbines presented by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company of Boston, Mass.; pursuant to their contract of the 24th of May 1864, and respecting which I have the honor to report: Barrel #29,752..." and proceeds to give a detailed report in which he is critical of some of the small details in terms of fit and finish and finishes the letter by stating, "The remaining components of the arms are of first class materials and workmanship. In fact, the workmanship and finish of the samples is the best that has come under my inspection in the examination of samples. I recommend the acceptance of the models as guides for future work, with the understanding that the defects herein specified shall not be allowed to enter into the future manufacture of Spencer carbines." The other Spencer pattern carbine referenced in William A. Thornton's report currently resides in the Springfield Armory Museum collection (serial number 29792, SPAR 4862) and has the same War Department marking on top of its barrel. Approximately 50,000 Spencer carbines were manufactured between 1863 and 1865 for the Union Army. Spencer carbines are easily one of the most advanced and popular weapons of the war and remained important in the Indian Wars of the latter half of the 19th century, especially prior to the widespread adoption of the Springfield trapdoor. A boxed script "DAP" (Dwight A. Perkins) inspection cartouche is stamped on the left wrist of the stock, with single letter inspection initials on various components. Provenance: The David Aroh Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection

ConditionVery fine, retains 70% original blue finish on the barrel with scattered moderate surface corrosion/spotting, with 70% plus vivid original case colors strongest on the right of the action and lock with scattered spotting heavier on the left of the action. Markings and edges in the metal remain sharp. Stock is also very fine with attractive original raised grain and rich oil finish, some scattered light dents and scratches, defined edges and a crisp cartouche. Mechanically excellent. As an identified pattern gun of the iconic Spencer Model 1860 carbines that was used as a War Department sample and studied by the critical eyes of U.S. inspector William A. Thornton, this is a historically significant piece worthy of any advanced U.S. martial or Civil War firearms collection!

Details

ManufacturerSpencer

Model1860

TypeRifle

Serial number

ClassAntique

Caliber / Gauge52 Spencer

Barrel22 inch round

Finishblue/casehardened

Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL