5th Michigan Spencer Rifle Modified Into A Buffalo Rifle

5th Michigan Spencer Rifle Modified Into A Buffalo Rifle.  This Spencer rifle with serial number “1526” was issued to the 5th Michigan Cavalry, who served with the famous Michigan Cavalry Brigade under the command of Gen. George Armstrong Custer. That part of this rifles history is well known, but the old Civil War veteran had a further tale to tell, by the changes made by either the soldier of used it, or another who would employ it in the Buffalo hunting trade on the Western Plains.

Forward of the receiver, all is new, with a replaced octagon barrel of 34 1/4 inches, and fitted with German silver blade front sight and rear Buckhorn sight. The new forend is pin-fastened to the barrel.  The receiver markings are still somewhat legible show the Spencer Repeating Arms address and patent date.

The overall condition of the rifle is an untouched brownish patina, with typical wood showing the type of use these guns saw, with many small indents on the forend where the rifle rested on rocks to give support for shooting down its pray. The buttstock has that common crack along the interior magazine channel, with more dings and scratching to the wood, and the sling swivel and base was removed in the period and filled with another piece of wood. Knowing the work required with these buffalo guns, much can be forgive for its condition.

Mechanically sound.

A true Western rifle with a history having brought down both confederates, and buffalo and other large game.