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Though the company failed shortly after the Civil War,
Spencers remained in use through the late 19th century
and into the 20th century. Given their use during the Civil War
and beyond, examples in high condition are hard to come by,
especially the rifles which are already significantly
rarer than the carbines.
This rifles is certainly one of the finest examples extant. It has a brass blade
front sight that doubles as a bayonet lug, six-groove rifling, three barrel bands,
an 800 yard folding ladder rear sight, the three-line Spencer address and patent
marking on the top at the breech, and smooth buttstock with the standard 7-round tubular magazine inserted through the buttplate. Left side of the barrel at the
breech marked with inspector initials “M”. Left side behind the stock screw is marked with circled script inspector cartouche “MMJ” (Martin M. Johnson) and “DAP”
(Dwight A. Perkins). Ahead of the buttplate marked with small inspector initials “D.A.P.”, and “GDM” (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the
stock. Includes leather sling, socket bayonet, and leather scabbard marked on the frog “R. NECE/PHILAD.” and “A.D. LAIDLEY/U.S./ORD.DEPT/SUB INSPECTOR”.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 70% original blue finish on the barrel with some light thinning and muzzle wear, 75% plus vivid original case colors on
the frame and fittings, and some scattered light freckling overall. Wood is very fine plus with some light scratches and dents, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically
excellent. Included bayonet and leather scabbard are both very fine. An exceptional example of one of the most innovative firearms of the Civil War!
Provenance: The George Moller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 25,000 - 40,000 179