Spencer Model 1865 Carbine, .56-50 Spencer, 22-inch Barrel, 7-Round Lever-Action, Antique U.S. Carbine
This Model 1865 carbine stands out as a Spencer-manufactured example marked with the Boston address, produced circa 1865–1866 and chambered in .56-50 Spencer. It retains the hallmark 7-round buttstock tubular magazine, a 22-inch round carbine barrel with a single band, and a left-side saddle ring and bar. Clear receiver markings, U.S. inspection stamps, and correct carbine features make this antique a strong, well-documented representative of the Spencer pattern.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The metal surfaces show widespread finish patina with areas of pitting. Scratches and blemishes are present on the exterior. Rifling is present and defined but exhibits extensive blemishing. The buttplate is missing.
What’s Included
- Spencer Model 1865 Carbine chambered in .56-50 Spencer
The receiver top is marked "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS. PAT'D MARCH 6 1860," identifying this as a Spencer-produced carbine rather than a Burnside-made example. Production falls within 1865–1866, and its antique status is supported by the period configuration and markings.
It features a 22-inch round carbine barrel secured by a single barrel band. The lever/trigger guard operates the action, and the external hammer is correct for the model. A saddle ring and bar are mounted on the left side, and the 7-round tubular magazine is housed in the buttstock, as designed for the .56-50 Spencer cartridge.
Furniture includes a walnut straight-grip carbine stock with the buttplate missing and a walnut fore-end fitted with steel wear plates. Sighting is via a brass blade front and a flip-up ladder rear, consistent with late-war/early Reconstruction-era Spencer carbines.
Inspection and identification marks include an "M" inspection mark on the left receiver area and a triangular "B" on the fore-end escutcheon. No patchbox is observed, aligning with standard carbine configuration.