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plenty of others seeing use out West well into the end of the 19th century.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 80% original blue finish on the barrel, 75% plus vivid original case colors remain on the frame and components with some scattered light to
moderate areas of freckling. Markings and edges in the metal are distinct. Wood is also very fine with defined edges, scattered dents and scuffs, and crisp cartouches. Mechanically excellent. This exceptional Spencer-Burnside carbine would make a fine addition to any U.S. martial collection!
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
LOT 3159
Exceptional Indian Wars Era
U.S. Inspected Spencer-Burnside
Contract Model 1865 Repeating
Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 491, 50
Spencer cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish,
walnut stock. Spencer Model 1865 carbines were serial numbered in the approximate
range 1-23000 and manufactured circa 1865-1866. The top of the receiver has the four-line address/ patent date and Burnside Rifle Co. marking along with “MODEL/1865”. The left of the stock has two crisp boxed
script inspection cartouches. It has a ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards, and saddle ring mounted on the left of the stock. Many
of these late Spencer carbines were used during Reconstruction and in the Indian Wars before the Springfield Trapdoors were widely issued, with
LOT 3160
Outstanding Civil War U.S. Burnside Breech Loading Percussion Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 17089, 54 cal., 21 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
These “Fifth Model” Burnside carbines represent the completion of the evolution of General
Ambrose Burnside’s ingenious carbine design. Unfortunately for Burnside, he profited little, if at all,
from his well-known design because he sold his shares before the company received sizable government contracts. The outbreak of the Civil War led to the purchase of over 50,000 Burnside carbines. They were the third
most purchased breech loading carbine during the war, after only the Sharps and the Spencer. This example has the standard markings and features. Matching serial numbers on the frame and breech block. Two crisp boxed script inspection cartouches stamped on the left wrist of the stock
including “R.K.W” and “EPR”, and “N.S.P” inspection initials on bottom of the forearm and ahead of the buttplate tang.
CONDITION: Excellent plus, nearly as issued, retaining 97% plus original blue finish on the barrel, 95% plus vibrant original case colors on the frame, hammer, lever latch and buttplate, 99%
bright original niter blue finish on the upper tang and breech block, 80% plus bright original niter blue finish on the lever, and 40% plus original niter blue finish on the lower tang. Wood is also excellent with attractive original raised grains and rich oil finish, some light handling marks, a minor small chip on the left front of the forend, distinct edges, and exceptionally crisp cartouches.
Mechanically excellent. This absolutely stunning Civil War Burnside carbine appears to have seen little, if any, use at all and would make an excellent addition to any U.S. martial collection! Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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