SOLD - Spencer Model 1865/1871 Repeating Conversion Rifle

Description

12/22/22 - This rifle started out in 1865 as a Burnside Rifle Company made Model 1865 Spencer Saddle Ring Carbine in .52 caliber. On June 27, 1864, the Burnside Rifle Co. entered into a contract with the Ordnance Dept. to manufacture 30,500 .52-cal. M1860 Spencer carbines with deliveries completed by Aug. 31, 1865. With the changes directed to be made to the carbines, deliveries did not start until April 15, 1865, and they continued until the end of October, with 30,496 M1865 Spencer carbines being delivered. Six additional carbines were delivered as samples, prototypes and models. After the Civil War ended the U.S. Government decided to take 11,000 of these Spencer Carbines, many of which were unserviceable, and convert them to rifles at Springfield Armory for use on the Wild West Frontier. The conversion entailed a completely NEW blued Springfield M1868 Barrel with 3 groove rifling, chambered for a .50 caliber Springfield round (aka .56-50 Spencer round). They were also fitted with a new fore end using only two barrel bands and Springfield-style hardware. These conversions started around 1871 and continued until 1874. This one is in very nice condition. Most of the case-hardening is intact on the receiver (although there is some minor thinning), and the barrel has retained most of its bluing. There is light scratchy wear along the barrel, though. Some light oxidation on the lock plate. No major damage to the stock. There is a mostly-visible cartouche on the right side. Mint bore. The action works great. Comes with cleaning rod.