Civil War 1860 Spencer Army .56-56 Rimfire 30” Repeater Lever Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,880.00
LSB#: LSB250927CP002
Make: Spencer Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1860, Spencer Army Rifle
Serial#: 5722
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1863-1864, Antique
Caliber: .56-56 Spencer Rimfire
Action Type: Lever-Actuated Repeating Rifle with a butt-fed Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the receiver has a faded marking which reads “SPENCER REPEATING / RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS. / PAT’D MARCH 6 1860” and it features the serial number “5722”.
Barrel Length: 30″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to a base by the muzzle. The rear sight is a ladder sight which presents a “V”-notch in the down position. When raised the ladder presents an integral “V’-notch at the top and a “V”-notch slider (the slider slides freely). The ladder is marked 2-8, inclusive.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stocks are two-piece wood featuring a forend that is secured by three barrel bands with a spring and screw, a straight comb and a metal butt-plate with a provision for the installed tubular magazine. The stocks have moderate handling marks, nicks and scuffs. There is a crack on the left side of the wrist. There is a repaired crack closer to the butt. There is receding wood along the length of the forend. There is dark discoloration where the wood meets the metal. The buttplate has gone to a deep patina with some corrosion. The LOP is 13” from the trigger to the rear of the butt-plate. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition for Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and gray with mostly sharp rifling. There are a few patches of light pitting and some erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 for antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but also to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collector’s firearms.
Overall Condition: The rifle retains none of its metal finish. The gun is coated in scattered light-moderate surface oxidation which gives the gun a patina color. There are scattered patches of light pitting, light handling marks, nicks and scuffs. There is scattered erosion throughout. The markings are legible. The screwheads are lightly tooled and remain serviceable. Overall, the rifle is in Good condition for an Antique.
Mechanics: The half cock engages. 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 and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Spencer Model 1860 Army Rifle is one of the most historically significant American military arms of the Civil War, representing a decisive shift from single shot muzzleloaders to true repeating rifles. Adopted in limited but impactful numbers beginning in 1863, the Spencer gave Union troops a dramatic advantage in sustained firepower through its lever actuated, butt fed tubular magazine system. Chambered in .56-56 rimfire, the full length Army rifle with its 30″ barrel was intended for infantry use and stands as a cornerstone of 19th century military firearms development.
This example dates to circa 1863–1864 production and retains correct period features, including the three band forend, ladder rear sight marked 2 through 8, and original receiver markings identifying Spencer Repeating Rifle Company of Boston. The markings are faded but legible, and the serial number is correctly located on the receiver. The wood stock set shows honest service wear with moderate handling marks, scattered nicks and scuffs, a visible crack at the left wrist, a repaired crack near the butt, receding wood along the forend, and darkened areas where the wood meets metal. The metal buttplate has aged to a deep patina with some corrosion, consistent with long military service and age.
The metal surfaces have worn entirely to a gray brown patina with scattered surface oxidation, light pitting, and erosion throughout, while remaining structurally intact. The bore is gray bright with mostly sharp rifling, showing some erosion and light pitting, rating 8 out of 10 for an antique in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly with the half cock engaging as intended. Overall, this Spencer Army rifle presents as an authentic and well worn Civil War survivor, valued for its originality, battlefield era configuration, and undeniable historical presence. Please see our high resolution photos and good luck on your bid! MF/MA
