This is a Model 1860 Spencer Repeating Rifle used during the Civil War. The Union Army purchased approximately 11,470 Spencer rifles, with the initial order in the serial number range of 1000 to 11000. A second order was purchased with the serial numbers falling in the 28000 range. This repeater is serial numbered 28871, and is only 4 numbers off of a Spencer Rifle having been issued to G Company, 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The Springfield Research Data shows 11 Spencer Rifles with serial numbers ranging from 28531 through 28895 having been issued to the 105th Pennsylvania, all in G Company. This Spencer rifle has an overall length of 47", with a barrel length of 30". The round barrel has a patina that matches the receiver, and a smooth exterior. The sub inspector letters of J and R are stamped on the left barrel flat near the breech. The six groove rifling is still clearly visible, but worn. The bore is turning dark, and shows very light pitting. It gages out to .54 caliber, so this one did some shooting! The original brass blade front sight, doubling as a bayonet lug, is still present. The rear sight with sliding leaf, is graduated out to 800 yards. The three barrel bands have a much darker patina than the rest of the iron parts. The front and rear sling swivels are missing. The two piece walnut stock is in very good condition, having no cracks or loss of wood. The forearm has nice crisp lines along the barrel channel. There are the normal bumps and dings associated with handling and service. The wood has taken on a very nice medium brown appearance. The right stock comb has a small circular stamp, but I can't make out what it is. The left stock comb has a small G stamped near the butt plate. I don't know if that is coincidental or if it may be a stamp for G Company, 105th Pa. The butt plate and seven shot tube magazine have a sightly darker patina than the rest of the iron parts. Overall, this is a very good condition Spencer Repeating Rifle that is in the prime serial number range for the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, a very hard fought Union eastern theater unit.

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