Spencer 1860 Carbine

Nyles

Nyles

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I just received this gorgeous Spencer 1860 Carbine from a board member here and felt the need to share it. I'm really pleased with it! For anyone here who's never handled one in person, the pictures really don't do the size of the weapon justice. The trigger guard is very large, because it doubles as the operating lever, and because the magazine runs through it the wrist is very thick. It tends to me the weapon look smaller than it actually is, and damn is it heavy!

It did get me thinking though, I know Canada purchased several Spencers around the time of Confederation, but I don't know the exact dates, numbers or circumstances, or even whether they were the 1860 or 1865 model. Can anyone help me out?

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Try this book, the Burnaby Public Library in BC has a copy, that you can inter-library loan.

Defending the Dominion : Canadian military rifles, 1855-1955 / David W. Edgecombe.
Author: Edgecombe, David W. (David Walter), 1940-
Publisher: Ottawa : Service Publications, 2003.
Location Collection Call No. Status Due Date
Metrotown Adult non-fiction 355.8245 Edg In library
 
From "The Military Arms of Canada"......Spencer rifle introduced 1860 in 56-50 rimfire caliber. Barrel length thirty inches with seven round magazine, iron furniture and three barrel bands. The front sight base retained the bayonet. Rear sight graduated to 900 yards. Blued barrel and furniture with case hardened receiver. "Spencer Carbine" ...barrel length 20 inches. Not fitted for a bayonet and a saddle ring was located on the left side. I do have more info somewhere as I have a copy of "Defending the Dominion" and would gladly share it with you but.....I loaned it out. Dave
 
Spencer carbine

Nyles

Congratulations on your fine acquisition! Would you mind adopting me .... ;>)

Since your carbine lacks the Stabler magazine cut-off device, it is most likely an 1860 model.
I recommend getting a copy of "Civil War Carbines - Myth vs reality" by Peter Schiffers. He tested 11 original Civil War carbines, including the 1860 Spencer, firing them with period correct ammo at 55, 110 and 220 yards (he's German ....)
This will give you an idea as to the actual performance capability of your carbine.
I'm not sure how gov't arms were marked in the era. After 1867 they were marked with the 'diamond DC'.
 
In 1860 they were not marked with the DC in a diamond. Prior to the DC you might find "BO" for Board of Ordinance or another mark which my old mind has drawn a blank on. Dave......Now I remember....."MD" for Militia and Defence?
 
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Hi Nyles, The Spencers that were issued to Canada were the 1865 model aand were marked WD with the broad arrow between the WD. I have seen one that was marked , serial number 21337. That 1860 Model that you have was Civil War used.
In March 1866 Canada fearing the invasion of the Fenian Brotherhood purchased 300 Spencer Rifles and 30,000 rounds of ammunition. The first 25 of these rifles were issued to 20th Volunteer Militia at Milton.
Canada ordered another 1000 rifles and by 1867 there were over 4000 rifles available with 2000 carbine also obtained. All the Spencers were returned to stores by Sept of 1867 when Canada adapted the Snider Enfield rifle. Except for the volunteer cavalry units in Quebec and Ontario that kept the Spencer Carbines for another 5 years. Canadian Carbine issued serial numbers 3440 to 21337 not all were marked with the WD/ broad arrow.

I can tell you a little bit about the recent history of this gun as I used to own it. I picked it up about 5 years ago with it's big brother (see picture). It came out of a collection that had belonged to a gentleman that had died and I bought the collection (50 guns) the family said that he had these guns for about 40 years. He lived around Hamilton Ontario. I used to be able to get information on these guns from the Springfield Archives but they have closed this to members only now. I have traced a number of these guns to the US regiments they were issued to and have also figured out some of the battles they may have been used in during the Civil War.

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Yeah, I'm actually quite familiar with the use of the Spencer in US service. In fact I've done some research that in June 1864 carbines with serial numbers within 1000 of mine's were being issued to the 5th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry, part of Custer's Michigan Brigade. Hardly a solid tie but certainly an interesting possible association. Means it would have seen use during the Valley Campaign of 1864, including the Battle of Cedar Creek, and then the fall of Richmond in 1865.

Thanks very much for the information on Canadian use of the Snider, Road King. That's very helpful - I didn't even know they'd made rifles in 56-50.

Here's a few more interesting pictures, one with the action open, as requested, and the magazine tube partially withdrawn, and with my Norwich Springfield 1861 and bayonet.

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Please reduce the size of your pictures.
A whole box of Spencer Carbines was dug up by construction workies in downtown TO, 15 plus years ago. Near or on the site of the old University Ave Armoury. Oddly, every one of 'em disappeared. Cops asked for their return and were ignored. Never heard anything more about 'em.
 
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