Spencer rifle- Help needed

[Meta]

Not being an expert on grading civil war firearms, I would appreciate some advice and information on a Spencer carbine that I have an opportunity to buy but I'm unsure of where the right price for this piece is. I know it's a nice rifle, but how nice? The value can be quite different at the upper end of the spectrum and I don't want to overpay. Thanks!

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[mike724]

Another Spencer Carbine

I've had this one for decades, and have also wondered about its market value. Any guesses as to its value would also be appreciated.

 

[Vaarok]

I've only seen a few Spencers for sale, but they're all well above three grand. Both are great examples, thanks for sharing!

 

[Jim K]

The carbine pictured by Meta is a Model 1860, made in early June, 1864.* It was later one of about 12,000 which was refurbished between 1866 and 1874 by Springfield Armory and had the Stabler cutoff added.

In the refinishing process, the original markings were often polished partly away, which accounts for the partially obliterated marking on that one. The metal was re-case hardened and reblued as appropriate, which explains the slight pitting under the new finish seen on yours.

The original .52 caliber, 6-groove 22" barrel chambered for the .56-56 Spencer was drilled out and sleeved to a 3-groove .50 caliber, chambered for the .56-50 Spencer, the same cartridge used for the new 1865 Model.

The stocks and foreends were sanded, obliterating the original inspection cartouche (ESA), and a new cartouche stamped on.

There were several of these, but yours is TJS, the mark of Thomas J. Shepard, an Armory Sub-Inspector.

I would put a guesstimate of value in that condition at around $2900, retail. Regardless of value, the gun has a lot of history behind it.

Incidentally, the rear sight leaf is turned backward; it should fold to the front.

*On June 9, 1864, W.A. Thornton, Inspector of Arms, reported finding minor flaws in two Spencer carbines, 29752 and 29792, the latter only 48 away from 29840, which would have been produced close to the same time.

To give credit where due, the bulk of this information comes from Spencer Repeating Firearms by Roy M. Marcot.

Jim

 

[Meta]

Jim,

Thanks for the reply and the great information! I have one question, and that is how did you arrive at that price range for the gun? The Blue Book puts a Spencer 1860 carbine, at 70% condition, with post war Springfield reconditioning (25% deduction in price), at around the price you say it's worth. Looking at other examples for sale in that price range, mine seems much nicer. Is this just a 70% gun?

 

[Jim K]

Like I said, it was a "guesstimate". I did take into consideration the evident wear before and after refinishing, but was not thinking in terms of some set percentage. Any gun (or anything else) is worth whatever you can get for it. I have seen those sell for about that, but as you know prices can vary from place to place or even week to week, depending on many factors.

You say you are considering buying the gun, so the value is whatever the seller wants that you are willing to pay. If it is a situation where you want to offer a fair price to someone who has no idea of the value, I think my figure is close or maybe a bit low. Still, remember that most of the prices you see on the net and at shows are "asking" prices. I have bought quite a few guns at gun shows, and I don't think I ever paid the tag price. I look at the tag, make a fair offer, and 90 percent of the time will walk away with the gun.

Jim