9th Michigan Cavalry Spencer Rifle – Early Issue With Serial Number “3724”- SOLD

9th Michigan Cavalry Spencer Rifle – Early Issue With Serial Number “3724”- Caliber .52.  Inspected by (I beleive) George Hosmer, who inspected Spencers from 1862- 1869.  (U.S. Military Small Arms Inspectors Markings..)

This is an early Spencer with a “3724” serial number.  Looking at the records of Army rifles to the Government, this rifle was delivered in the first few months of 1863.  The rifle was re-issued in January of 1865 to the 9th Mich. Cavalry, see history below.

The rifle is unaltered as issued. Overall the metal is plum brown in color with minimal case colors showing. Metal is smooth with some old dark patches of rust in small areas on muzzle area and in a few other places. The mechanics are very good, with markings visible and just lightly worn. The stock is very good with typical dings, scratching, some heavier on left side of butt stock.etc. One area on left side might wear from spur/saddle wear.  No cracks in the usual area where the magazine tube area is very thin, and only a small crack extending back from the left side near rear of the receiver. There is a series of small cuts on the top of butt plate. Might be the number of kills (Confederate, Indians or Buffalo), or boredom?  The bore is very good, with some light pitting.

A nice old early veteran from the Civil War, with a history yet to be determined.

The 9th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry was organized January to May of 1863. The unit served in Kentucky, Eastern Tennessee, Atlanta Campaign, and Campaigning in the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Aiken and Blackville, S. C., February 11. Johnson’s Station February 11. South Edisto River February 11-12. Gunter’s Bridge, North Edisto, February 14. Phillips’ Cross Roads and Wadesboro, N. C., March 4. Monroe’s Cross Roads March 10. Near Smith’s Mill, Black River, March 15. Taylor’s Hole Creek, Averysboro, March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Raleigh & Smithfield Railroad April 10-11. Raleigh April 12-13. Morrisville April 13. Bennett’s House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Concord, N. C., May 14 to July 21. Mustered out July 21, 1865.

This was the only Michigan Cavalry unit to be part of Sherman’s March to the Sea.