Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War
	Civil War Weapons, all pre 1898
	by Harry Ridgeway

Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Details click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860.html

W1425 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 2126) . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Serial number, 2126. Two sets of soldier initials are carved onto each side of the butt, this is early production and likely was issued more than once.

W1046 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 6204) . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Serial number, 6204, appears on rear of receiver. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak (not visible on this example), additional inspector marks, H on the barrel. SN 6204 is early number and in the number range indicating likely use by Indiana 72nd Infantry, Wilder's Brigade. Initials HAW are carved into the butt just in front of the tang, this may have been used by Henry A Winter, who was mustered in May 1, 1863 and discharged at Chattanooga in 1865, a rich history. Additional note:The following information is available from CW Data base, www.civilwardata.com Henry A. Winter Residence was not listed; Enlisted on 5/1/1863 as a Private. On 5/1/1863 he mustered into B Co. , Indiana 72nd Infantry He was transferred out on 7/24/1865 at Nashville, TN On 7/1/1865 he transferred into Indiana 44th Infantry (date and method of discharge not given) Sources used by Historical Data Systems, Inc.: - Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Indiana (c) Historical Data Systems, Inc. @ www.civilwardata.com The data base also states that from October 1863 to November 1863, this unit was part of Wilders Mounted Infantry.

W1473 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 8894) . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Serial number, 8894. Ridgeway collection, Old Court House Civil War Museum.

W0773 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 9749) . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Serial number, 9749. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak (visible on this example), additional inspector marks, H on the barrel.

W1350 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 23032) . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Serial number, 23032. This rifle is attributed to 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, this based on serial numbers around this number which have been traced to this regiment.

W1321 ### Breechloader, Spencer seven shot rimfire rifle, Model 1860, 56/56 cartridge, infantry model not fitted with saddle riding bar, .52cal. (sn# 23266) . Spencer breechloading rifle was a breechloader and repeater, capable of handling seven all weather or metallic rim fire cartridges at a time, providing a major advantage over the single shot paper cartridge percussion weapons previously employed. The so called 56 / 56 cartridge was used, this meant that the side of the cartridge fitted over the bullet was straight, however the bullet and bore are smaller at approximately .52 caliber. Seven cartridges were loaded by a magazine tube fitted through the butt. The magazine had an internal spring, cartridge was readied by raising and lowering a lever also serving as a trigger guard. Serial numbers run to about 67,000, of which approximately 11,000 were rifles. Manufactured by Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Mark on top of frame: SPENCER REPEATING - / RIFLE CO. BOSTON. MASS. / PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860. . Serial number on rear of frame. Cartouches on the left side on the butt are typically weak, additional inspector marks may appear on the receiver, and barrel. Standard features include: The hammer striker head is flat and wider than the receiver, leaving an edge not aligned with the receiver. Chamber edges are sharp, bore has six lands and grooves. Rifle is fitted with an iron buttplate with hole and catch to secure the magazine tube, single iron band, Spencer long range sight. Intended for infantry use, this is long rifle, three bands, two strap hooks, saddle bar not installed on the rifle. Research Center: Weapon2452-Breechloader-Spencer-Rifle-Model-1860 . Reference: Flayderman 9B-093. Barrel length, 30in. Serial number, 23266. Metal appearance pleasing with smooth patina, wood solid with dings and scratches from use, sight intact, three bands intact, bore is clean, rifling definite, mechanics fully functional. Rifle is tentatively identified to the 105th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

This is the "Ridgeway Civil War Research Center", a research tool for educational purposes only, and is provided at no cost to the reader. Some of the relics listed are retained in the author's collection, most reside in other collections and are not owned by the author. None of the items listed in this section are for sale, please refer to relicman.com sales listings for items offered for sale. This is a work in progress, I list items as I get to them, there are many patterns that are not listed yet, this list will be regularly updated as I get pictures and descriptions for more items. I will also correct mistakes, so if you see any please tell me. All items listed are believed to be authentic to the Civil War or as otherwise described. Any excavated relics have been recovered from private property with owners permission.This information is available for research purposes, pictures may be used by permission only.

All weapons listed on this webpage are strictly manufactured before 1898, and are considered unsafe for actual use. These are antique collectible weapons of the Civil War (most are pre 1865, unless I state otherwise) and actual firing of these weapons is not recommended for any purpose whatsoever! Because these are all "pre 1898" weapons, no licenses are required for ownership, but common sense and good judgment should be applied.

Most information on this page is from:
Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms......
John Thillman series, "Civil War Cavalry & Artillery Sabers...", or "Civil War Army Swords....".

Ridgeway Civil War Research Center, A virtual examination of artifacts of the American Civil War Weapons Research center, weapons, click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Weapon0000-Index.html. Research center, weapons, click: http://relicman.com/weapons/Weapon0000-Index.html.

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