Make: Spencer Repeating Rifle Co.

Model: 1865 Spencer Carbine

Serial Number: 16647

Year of Manufacture: 1865 - 1866

Caliber: .56-50 Spencer Rimfire

Action Type: Lever actuated, Repeating Carbine fed by Internal 7 Round Stock Magazine Tube

Markings: The top of the receiver is marked, “SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE CO. BOSTON MASS.” the rest of the patent date is faded and worn too far to read. The rear of the receiver ring is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked, “M1865 / GGS”. The block is proofed with a “W” and the hammer is marked, “R”. The receiver has a “J” proof.

Barrel Length: 20”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a barelycorn blade set atop a raised base. The rear sight is an 1865 two-position V-notch ladder sight marked out to 9.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-pice wood set with a barrel band, straight wrist, straight comb, saddle ring, sling ring in the belly of the buttstock, and steel buttplate with mag tube. There are scratches and pressure dents throughout. There are small cracks forming at the heel. There are small chips throughout. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall this stock set rates in about Excellent condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray and the rifling is pronounced. There is moderate erosion and spots of pitting throughout. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10 as Antique.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its metal finish. The case color is gone from the receiver, the barrel only retains some spots of blue. The finish has turned to a deep patina with scratches and nicks throughout. The screw heads are moderately tooled. The markings are blurry and faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lever lockup is strong. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements. The magazine tube is in good condition and this carbine sports a Stabler cut-off.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: The Spencer Model 1865 Carbine is one of the most significant repeating firearms of the American 19th century—a rifle that changed the face of cavalry warfare during and after the Civil War. Designed by Christopher Spencer and refined by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Co., the M1865 featured several improvements over the earlier wartime Model 1860, including a stronger receiver and a redesigned extractor. Chambered in .56-50 rimfire, this 7-shot lever-action repeater offered a tremendous increase in firepower over the single-shot muzzleloaders and percussion carbines of the day. While many of the M1865 carbines were issued late in the Civil War or sent to western frontier units in the years immediately following, they remained in service with U.S. cavalry and state militias into the Indian Wars era. This example, serial number 16647, is a fine representation of a true martial Spencer M1865. It retains its original 20" barrel with faint but visible military markings, including the correct two-position ladder sight and barrel “GGS” inspector stamp. The receiver has toned to a deep antique patina, with only traces of its original case coloring and blued finish remaining—typical of Spencer carbines that saw field use. The stocks have been refinished at some point but remain solid, showing honest pressure marks, minor chipping, and light cracks at the heel. The bore, though showing moderate erosion and scattered pitting, still retains defined rifling and rates 8/10 by antique standards. This carbine is also fitted with a functional Stabler cut-off, an important feature introduced on M1865 models to allow single-shot operation when needed.

Whether you’re a collector of Civil War and Indian Wars firearms, a student of American military innovation, or simply someone who appreciates early lever-action repeaters, this Spencer Model 1865 Carbine offers history in both form and function. With its wartime lineage, postwar refinements, and solid mechanical integrity, it remains one of the most iconic and collectible American military carbines ever produced. As an antique, it’s both a display-worthy piece and a tangible link to a time when repeating rifles were just beginning to revolutionize the battlefield.