Chiappa Model 1860 Spencer .44-40 Winchester Lever Action Rifle, MFD 2014
SOLD FOR: $2250
LSB#: 210420MS02
Make: Chiappa
Model: 1860 Spencer
Serial Number: 14L11386
Year of Manufacture: 2014 (CM Date Code)
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Actuated, Single Action Exposed Hammer Rifle with Removable Tubular Magazine in Butt Stock
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “CHIAPPA FIREARMS, LTD. DAYTON, OHIO”, “Chiappa Firearms ITALY” and “44/40 WIN”, the left is marked with the serial number, found again on the top rear of the receiver. The left side of the receiver, below the hammer is marked with three Italian proofs (Nitro & Inspection) and the date code.
Barrel Length: 30”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a small blade, integral to a rectangular post, which is fixed to the barrel and the rear sight is a ladder sight, marked from 200 to 900 yards when raised and a “V” notch battle sight when in the lowered position.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut. The capped forend has three case colored barrel bands of which the middle band has a sling loop attached at the bottom. The butt stock has a straight grip, straight comb, and a steel buttplate with an opening for the inserted magazine tube. The stock has a sling swivel on the belly. There is a brown leather sling attached. The sling has a few scattered minor scuff lines and no rips or tears, in about Fine condition. The stock is free of any major imperfections, just a light mark or two scattered about. The stocks fit the metal nicely and are free from cracks and major damages. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the carbine-style case colored butt plate; the plate has a few light marks. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. Outside of some expected operational wear, there are only a few light streaks on the barrel just ahead of the middle barrel band. The case coloring is slightly receding on the edges of the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a brown cardboard box with a serial matching label. The box shows some minor creases, a couple light compressions, and light edge wear. There are no rips or tears. The box rates in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Our Assessment: The inventor of the Spencer Carbine was Christopher Miner Spencer, one of the leading figures of the machine tool industry. The Spencer carbine was different from any other firearm of its time. It was accurate; fired rapidly; had a long effective range; and held metallic cartridges that weren’t affected by moisture. It could be fired more rapidly than a Colt style revolver and reloaded in one-tenth the time. By the end of the Civil War, more than 144,000 Spencer rifles and carbines had been manufactured; over two-thirds of which were purchased by the U.S. government. To keep up with demand, Spencer subcontracted some production to the Burnside Rifle Co. of Providence, Rhode Island. Spencer rifles and carbines met with high praise from those who were equipped with them, and with respect from those who faced them in battle. In its first combat test, Spencer-armed Union troops under the command of Colonel John Wilder earned the nickname “Lightning Brigade” when they defeated a numerically superior Confederate force at the Battle of Hoover’s Gap, Tennessee on June 24, 1863. This is an Italian Armi Sport Spencer Carbine which has exceptional case coloring, beautiful wood and a deep blued barrel. The rifling is sharp with no erosion and the action functions correctly. The rifle has a tube magazine that is inserted through the butt plate. This rifle’s high condition may reserve its place as a safe queen but one would be very tempted to take this out for a round of cowboy action shooting or to turn some heads at the range. Please see our pictures and good luck!