1433

Rare Engraved Spencer Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:8,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 22,500.00 USD
Rare Engraved Spencer Sporting Rifle
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Estimate: $18000 - 22500
The Spencer was one of the most widely used and popular Civil War firearms. This particular rifle was one that was sub-contracted by Burnside Rifle Company and 1 of about 3,500 that were not U.S. Government purchased. The top of the receiver is marked "MODEL / 1865" (date very faint) and "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE / PAT'D MARCH 6, 1860 / MANUF'D AT PROV. R.I. / BY BURNSIDE RIFLE CO.". The serial number is marked on the top rear of the receiver next to the hammer. The sides of the receiver, hammer, lever and lock are engraved with Nimschke style broad leaf floral scroll with a punch dot background, with blank banners on each side of the receiver. The bottom of the barrel under the forearm is marked "337" in front of the rear screw lug and "5", and "175" behind the lug near the breech. The number "1" is marked on the face of the receiver. The bottom of the forearm is "640" (do not know what the significance of the previous numbers as they do not correspond). The buttplate is marked "W L B". The barrel is blue and the remaining metal surfaces have been nickel plated. The plating was probably done at the time of engraving. Fixed blade front sight, folding notch/aperture rear sight graduated to 800 yards and tang sight mounted on the rear of the receiver. Combination trigger guard and lever operates the unique Spencer action, extracting the spent casing on the down stroke and chambering a fresh round from the tube magazine in the buttstock on the upstroke. Mounted with a smooth forearm with pewter forend cap and straight grip stock.
BBL: 28 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 46 RF
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 533
Condition: Fine. The barrel retains 60% of the faded original blue with scattered light spotting and some thinning to gray at the muzzle. The receiver retains at least 20% of the original silver plating with the balance having a smooth gray patina. The buttplate retains most of the nickel with scattered flaking and some pitting on the heel. The wood remains in fine condition. There is a small piece absent on the left side wrist. The wood is raised where it meets the frame. The forearm shows minor crack on the upper left rear and overall there are scattered minor dents and dings. Most of the receiver marking is clear. The engraving is crisp and clear. The action is excellent. A solid example of a rare engraved Spencer Repeating rifle.