September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
Colonel John Copland, an early and outspoken supporter of repeating rifles, ordered 1,200 Spencer rifles for his 5th Michigan Cavalry and was the first to receive the potent repeating arms. The first 500 rifles were delivered in December 1862 in the 1000 to 1550 serial number range, followed by an additional 500 in January 1863 in the 1551 to 2050 range. This example 1555 falls squarely between these first army shipments. Copeland armed not only the 5th Cavalry but also some of the 6th Cavalry with approximately 300 of the Spencer rifles, having suffered some losses in the 5th. Placed under George Custer's Command, the Michigan Brigade were the only troops armed with Spencers at Gettysburg and used them effectively halting Jeb Stuart's advance on July 3. By late 1864 it is believed nearly all of the Spencer rifles were lost or replaced with much handier carbines. As a result, these early rifles have a very low survival rate. This example appears to have been re-arsenalized after the war, the barrel relined to .50 with 3-groove rifling. Standard German silver blade bayonet lug front sight and 800 yard graduated rear ladder sight. Case hardened receiver without cut-off or the standard manufacturer markings. Various sub-inspector stamps present on internal components and the lever. Stocked in walnut with a full length forend retained by 3 bands. CONDITION: Good. Barrel displays a brown/gray patina with some cleaned oxidation spots. Action has a characteristic silvery case hardening patina with a few faint flashes of color and patterning, some areas of cleaned oxidation present. Wood appears lightly cleaned with only minor bumps and bruises. The rear barrel band spring is a replacement finished in brilliant nitre blue. Bore is very strong, some oxidation present near the muzzle. Fine mechanics. A very scarce early Spencer with tantalizing Gettysburg attribution. PROVENANCE: Jim Cyr Collection.