Lot 114

U.S. Burnside/Springfield Spencer Model 1865/1871 Rifle

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U.S. Burnside/Springfield Spencer Model 1865/1871 Rifle

Estimate: $1,800 - $2,750

Starting Bid: $1,600

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

U.S. Burnside/Springfield Spencer Model 1865/1871 Conversion Repeating Infantry Rifle Spencer repeating rifles and carbines were by many accounts the best firearms of the Civil War and were highly regarded by the troops that received them. After the war, the U.S. Army was drastically reduced from well over a million men down to just 11,000-27,500 depending on the year. The government also had large stockpiles of various arms which required numerous types of ammunition. Naturally, the more troublesome or outdated arms were sold as surplus. The significant advantages of the Spencer led to many being retained, and in the immediate post-war years, Spencers remained widely used by the cavalry while many infantrymen were stuck with obsolete muzzle loaders. As the War Department tried to standardize the Army's weaponry, it made sense that the Spencers, especially those manufactured too late to see combat, were considered for conversion alongside the massive stockpiles of Model 1861 and 1863 rifle-muskets. 1,108 Spencers were chosen by the Springfield Armory for alteration to infantry rifles in 1871. The conversions consisted of replacing the short carbine barrels with 32 1/2 inch round barrels numbered to the guns with three groove rifling, .50 caliber bores, and blade, notch, and folding ladder sights. The short carbine forearms were replaced by musket length forends secured by two barrel bands, a forend cap, and a slotted cleaning rod. Stabler cutoffs were also added to allow use as single shot breech loaders while retaining the ability to use the ammunition reserve in the magazines if needed. The stocks retained the saddle rings and corresponding bars and had "ESA" oval cartouches. This example has all of these correct features and is fitted with a brown leather sling.

Manufacturer: Burnside Rifle Co

Model: 1865

BBL: 32 5/8 inch round

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 56-50 Spencer

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number2543

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good, especially for an infantry rifle likely used in Indian Wars on the Great Plains, with traces of finish and otherwise mottled gray and brown patina, light oxidation, and minor pitting. The refinished wood is also very good with mild wear, some small chips and thin cracks, and general scratches and dings. Mechanically functions. The sling is good with some cracking and age related wear.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000