Guns International #: 101042381
Seller's Inventory #: 10462
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Guns International #: 101042381
Category - Spencer Rifles
- Civil War Rifles
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC Member Since: 11/3/16
State:
Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
Int'l Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Active Listings: 1442
Total Listings: 29735
Seller Type:FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Payment Methods: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
INSCRIBED Civil War Antique Spencer Army Rifle
Description: INSCRIBED Civil War Antique Spencer Army Rifle Made Famous by Custer’s 5th Cavalry at Gettysburg Here we present an antique Spencer Repeating Rifle Co. Army Model Rifle, made circa 1862 in Boston, Massachusetts, during the Civil War. These lever-operated, breech-loading rifles were marvels of the time and had a lasting impact on how war was to be fought in the future. Though their service life in the U.S. military was relatively short, the Spencer story includes Christopher Spencer, the inventor of the rifle, demonstrating and shooting with President Abraham Lincoln, who gave his full endorsement of the piece. While the Spencer carbine has a fascinating history unto itself, the Spencer “musket” style, full length rifle was the one made famous for its use at Gettysburg by none other than George Armstrong Custer and his 5th Michigan Cavalry. Supposedly, a captured Rebel that day said one could “load in the morning and fire all day!” This was due to the Spencer’s most endearing quality: a 7-round magazine tube in the butt of the gun. This gave the shooter phenomenal firepower in a day when most soldiers were muzzle-loading single shots or even singly loading their breech-loading carbines. This is one of those rare examples of a gun that gives us some vital clues to its history and use. The left side of the receiver is marked by hand in cursive “James Clements/His gun/ May/29 1876”. The right side is marked “James Clements/1876. And finally, the left side of the stock is marked “J.H.C.” James H. Clements, as it turns out, was a pension clerk after the American Civil War. His “Date of original appointment”, according to the Register of the Department of the Interior, was May 2, 1876, just a few weeks prior to the date on this rifle. James Clements was from Portsmouth, Virginia, and was a machinist by trade. He was a Republican who left Portsmouth and fought for the Union when the American Civil War broke out, per Encyclopedia Virginia. The pension record of his wife Margaret from 1905 indicates earlier military service, stating that he was in “Company L, First Virginia Infantry, from April 1, 1847, to March 8, 1848, in the Mexican war”. After, the Civil War, he was involved in politics, considering himself a radical Republican, being a proponent of universal manhood suffrage among other progressive policies. He helped to rewrite Virginia’s state constitution and ran for Lt. Governor in the would-be election of 1868, which would have established Virginia’s new government after the war. Ultimately, the election was not approved by the Federal government and would not be held until 1869, at which time he lost to more moderate Republicans. He eventually became a pension clerk with the Federal Department of the Interior. This he did from 1876 until 1899, investigating claimants, which required much travel from at least as far North as Boston, to as far South as New Orleans. This rifle very well may have been a travel companion. He died in 1900. This rifle is in fine condition. The serial number puts it in the early part of the US military contract. The iron surfaces have a wonderful plum brown patina with clear markings. The hand-scribed markings are also patinaed. The walnut stock is smooth and solid. The bore is well-rifled and clean. The action is excellent. Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. Barrel is 30 inches in length. Caliber: .52 caliber rimfire Overall condition as seen in photos. Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail! Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY. ancestryguns $5500 #10462 SOLD Antique: Yes |
Guns International #: 101042381
Seller's Inventory #: 10462
Guns International #: 101042381
Seller's Inventory #: 10462