Spencer repeating rifle m1865

I would not rule this out as one of the Spencer carbines acquired by Canada. The serial number is in the range (albeit a very great range). The cut-off is supposedly not on Canadian guns but I have yet to see a definitive "rule" that states Canada only acquired those without a cut-off.

The inspector marks were found on the Starr carbines acquired by the UK. I have seen pictures of at least one other carbine that is quite likely a Canadian issue. It does not have the cut-off but does have the US inspector marks.
 
That is in exceptionally good condition, and shows no signs of being messed with, as the vast majority of weapons of that vintage now have been.

Let this be a lesson for others: write down the history, significance and value of what you have, not just firearms, but all family objects and heirlooms.
 
RRCo. said:
That is in exceptionally good condition, and shows no signs of being messed with, as the vast majority of weapons of that vintage now have been.

Let this be a lesson for others: write down the history, significance and value of what you have, not just firearms, but all family objects and heirlooms.
Click to expand...

So true on both points made ^^! A very nice antique that has not been messed with is a pleasure to see. And we all need to make sure
we spend time with our older family members having a focused discussion of family heirlooms because they have an unfortunate way of
dying before we get around to it. I think older people enjoy holding the antique in their hands while telling what they know about it so that the
conversation becomes a pleasure to all involved rather than aimlessly talking about the weather or their aches and pains.
 
Maybe un less your fathers father was a hardened homicide cop after returning from the war and was appearantly a bit stand off ish I have heard. I never knew him well I was very young.

I will be able to narrow it down with my family tree showing from early 1700.

I just have to look up Ferguson in canada 1865 and cross reference that online info with my hard copy family tree here

Thomas Robert Ferguson

Adam Johnston Blairs Ferguson

Robert Ferguson

Those people I found in Canadian history around the time of this firearm, just need to look up my family tree. I have been told that someone back in our family was a senator and another was a signing father of confederation. I'm hoping I can trace the carbine to maybe the senator :) any how I'll check back for more information here later seems to me someone here will maybe know something lots of info already
 
I somehow doubt that this is one of the Canadian Spencer carbines.
The U.S. inspector's cartouches EAW and DAP are very nice and clear on this carbine.
This carbine probably saw service during the U.S. Civil War and had the Stabler cut-off installed post war.

Take a look to see if there are any other inspector's cartouches on the left butt stock ---like an ESA.



 
No ESA cartouche from what I found that would have been refinished at springfield?? to get an ESA cartouche.

I found more markings and stamps upon a magnified once over just getting pics to post from that....it's like wheel of fortune with letters all over jeez I hope that's not a bad thing...
 
A623pQg.jpg

B8vBakR.jpg

yZzYi6f.jpg

wA12g5z.jpg

BGs4Crc.jpg
 
Assuming that this stuff below is true---the Canadian Government did not purchase surplus Spencers--they purchased new Spencers.
Your very nice Spencer carbine has very clear U.S. inspector's cartouches on the stock---new Spencers would not have these markings on the stock.













The Erskine S. Allin (ESA) cartouche.

 
The Starr carbines and Peabody rifles used by the Canadian Militia do show US inspector marks ie the initials in the pill shape - not sure if they were government or factory inspection cartouches - US markings are not my thing.

I have seen at least one "highly likely" Spencer carbine which shows a US style cartouche by lock tang (saddle ring side). http://www.victorianwars.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=6731&start=0

Note that the article states 2,000 rifles were in the care of the agent ie it does not say carbines necessarily.
 
I don't believe it is an ESA cartouche because Lca, Ecw or tjs would be somewhere in addition and generally if it went to reline then the original inspectors cartouche can be missing and that's not the case although that post does show info that makes it odd to have EAW and DAP because that picture shows other cartouche matched...
 
This shows the ESA cartouche on my M1860 Spencer carbine together with the others inspector's cartouches which dated from the Civil War.






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.
Hope this helps,
Fred

(Fred ( Two Flints ) is the moderator on Spencer Shooting Society Forum)
 
Last edited:
The Starr carbines and Peabody rifles used by the Canadian Militia do show US inspector marks ie the initials in the pill shape - not sure if they were government or factory inspection cartouches - US markings are not my thing.

I have seen at least one "highly likely" Spencer carbine which shows a US style cartouche by lock tang (saddle ring side). http://www.victorianwars.com/viewtop...t=6731&start=0

Note that the article states 2,000 rifles were in the care of the agent ie it does not say carbines necessarily.
Click to expand...

Well here I am from the former Burlington, Ontario and now residing in Waterdown, Ontario.

I acquired an 1865 Spencer Carbine from the estate of deceased collector here in Ontario.
The former owner was a collector of Canadian Military Historic Arms.

The carbine is excellent shape inside and out.
Although my first thoughts where that it was never issued or carried.
The saddle ring, bar and plate have definite marks that I have seen on other Spencer’s that where carried by horseback.

Provenance is what his collection consisted of.
He did not collect U.S. Civil or Indian war arms.
His collection consisted of everything from the Brown Bess on up that was used here in Canada.

The carbine to the best of family knowledge was acquired from a former family decendent of a member of a Milton, Ontario Militia.

My wallet took a welcome hit with this Spencer.

M1865 Spencer Carbine
Boston, Mass
Serial # 12544
Click to expand...

Good Day Gentlemen

The Spencer Carbine as mentioned is mine.

I also have a Canadian issue Starr and Peabody.

My main interest lies in Canadian Military Historic Arms.

Spencer

576bd688-c393-452f-8744-64e76503728e_zps880c2e91.jpg


IMG_1158.jpg


IMG_1159.jpg


IMG_1160.jpg


IMG_1162.jpg


Starr

IMG_0367_zpsaea5e0aa.jpg


IMG_0369_zpsdebb0a44.jpg


Peabody

20121219_142036.jpg


20121219_142058.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom