Spencer Repeating Carbine serial 41926 V70R's hunt for info :)

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V70R

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Hello Folks,

So to make a long story short, a while ago I was in a collecting (could read hoarding haha?) phase of my life and had an opportunity for a "bulk" buy of some unique and antique firearms (I have always been interested bit never educated on them). Needless to say I haven't had the time to do as much research on these as I'd like to have done, and with the way life goes I don't forsee time for this in the near future. I want these to end up with someone who can display them or charish them more than I do. I am trying to simplify my life and my possession.

I want to start my hunt of info for the m1860 Spencer Repeating Carbine serial number 41926 as this seems to be one of the more unique ones. I was wondering if someone can help me get some info on this for a) my curiosity sake I love hearing about/discovering the history of firearms and b) it may help me decide a fair value for me to pass this on to a collector or someone for whom this is a dream firearm.

Thanks for you help!

V70R
 
I agree with sail32 - CasCity is your go-to for sound, knowledgeable advice.

Can you post some pics? I've got a couple of good reference books that may offer some clarification.
 
Ill post pics soon (next week), I talked with Two Flints over at CAS and looks like there are two possible units that the Spencer may have been issued to -

(1) Company G, 3rd Iowa Volunteer Cavalry (no date is given for when issue was made)

(2) Company G, 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry, issued on 12/22/1864

Its funny, that is more detail than I thought I would get, but now I just want to learn more about it! haha
 
The Stabler magazine cut-off ---red arrow.



Between 1866 and 1874 the Stabler magazine cut-off was installed on 12,052 carbines at the Springfield Armory.

 
V70R

Here is some more info for you ---this stuff can be found on Two Flint's Forum (CAS)





Here is what the 'ESA' cartouche looks like----found on the left stock flat following the re-work at the Springfield Armory.



'ESA' cartouche on serial number 53,299.



 
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Thanks for the photos V70R.

Some interesting differences between your M1860 Spencer carbine S/n 41,926 that did not go through the modifications at Springfield Armory and remains in the 56 56 rim fire Spencer.52 cal. cartridge, and retains substantial original receiver markings.





My M1860 Spencer carbine went through the modifications at Springfield Armory and the original receiver markings have almost totally been removed.
I assume that my carbine S/n 53,299 was barrel re-sleeved for the 56 50 .50caliber Spencer ammunition. The Stabler magazine cut-off devise was installed in that process.



 
Just checked all four volumes of "Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms" for Spencer Repeating Firearm serial number 41926.
Nearly had a heart attack as they list serial number 41962 as issued to Co. G 3rd Iowa Vol Cav.
That was close!!! There is a block of carbines listed as being issued to this unit.
Nice carbine!!!!!
 
Alonzo said:
Just checked all four volumes of "Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms" for Spencer Repeating Firearm serial number 41926.
Nearly had a heart attack as they list serial number 41962 as issued to Co. G 3rd Iowa Vol Cav.
That was close!!! There is a block of carbines listed as being issued to this unit.
Nice carbine!!!!!
Click to expand...

Thanks!! haha I hate when the numbers are that close and "look" the same, thanks for the info. This is a cool to firearm to learn about :)
 
A reminder that if anyone knows of a loving home for er that she is looking for a new owner, and with that being said not sure what the asking price should be
 
Back in May 2014 Fred Grandinetti “Two Flints’ sent me this regarding my Spencer carbine.

"I see a Spencer Carbine, serial # 53,317 as issued to Company A, 3rd Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry, in 1864 (no day or month given) . . . your serial # is 53,299."

Fred’s disclaimer;

From Fred Grandinetti (Two Flints) moderator on Spencer Shooting Society.

Some time ago I acquired the four volume set of the Springfield Research Service (SRS) Serial Numbers of U.S. Martial Arms. I purchased the set so I could help SSS members identify which unit their original Spencer Carbine or rifle was issued or assigned to during, and perhaps, after the Civil War.

Unfortunately, not all the Spencer serial numbers are listed in the four volume set I own. And, there are gaps between indicated serial numbers. This paragraph is a DISCLAIMER of sorts. As a courtesy to SSS members, I am happy to reveal to you the information I have regarding the serial number of your Spencer carbine or rifle. But, please remember, I am just regurgitating what I read in my SRS volumes with some "unscientific conjecture" on my part . What I do is the following: I take your Spencer serial number and try to place it in between the two closest serial numbers to yours listed in my SRS volume. In most cases, if the serial numbers for the Spencer before and after your own serial number were issued to the same unit, I assume your Spencer went to the same unit. Or, if your Spencer serial number is very, very close to another Spencer serial number, I assume your Spencer went to the same unit. I call this the Two Flints guesstimation I'm guessing and estimating at the same time as to what I believe to be correct information based upon the information I find in my four volume set of SRS And that is the best that I can do for you.
 
So bought a months subscription to "the blue book of gun values" to see what info it would have and shockingly it states that they are worth ($ in USD and grading in %) $1,500 for 10%, $1,800 for 20%, $2,000 for 30%, $2,750 for 40%, $3,750 for 50%, $4,500 for 60%, $6,000 for 70%, $7,500 for 80%, $10,000 for 90% and $11,000 for 95% and it states subtract 25% for Springfield armoury recondition (not my case). That seems insane! I don't know if the market even in the US market reflects those numbers, should the blue book be taken with a grain of salt or what? The funny thing is that for the other guns I own and am looking to sell it looked either accurate or less than what the markets demanding...

Also what your guess be for my Spencer's condition, looking at their criteria, as follows:
New/Perfect – 100% condition with or without box. 100% on currently manufactured firearms
assumes NIB (New In Box) condition and not sold previously at retail.
Mint – typically 98%-99% condition with almost no observable wear. Probably sold previously at
retail, and may have been shot occasionally.
Excellent – 95%+ - 98% condition.
Very Good – 80% - 95% condition (all parts/finish should be original).
Good - 60% – 80% condition (all parts/finish should be original).
Fair – 20% - 60% condition (all parts/finish may or may not be original, but must function properly
and shoot).
Poor – under 20% condition (shooting not a factor).

I think I am in the 60% to 80% range, thoughts?
 
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