SPRINGFIELD ARMORY RIFLE MUSKET CONVERSION OF SPENCER CARBINES Description
.50 cal., frame marked on top "MODEL/1865" and "SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE/PAT'D MARCH 6. 1860/MANUF D AT PROV. R.I./BY BURNSIDE RIFLE Co." and fitted with a Stabler magazine cutoff, 32 1/2 in. Springfield barrel, bayonet lug blade front and folding ladder rear sight, blue finish with color case hardened frame, sling bar and ring are mounted on the left of the frame and the front of the smooth, straight grip stock which has cartouche and magazine tube fitted through curved buttplate, forearm secured by two bands and a forend cap, standard M1855 pattern bayonet.
Note: There is no record that these rifles were ever issued to U.S. troops. This is the reason why so many examples are known in 80% or better condition. In 1871, General Dyer, Chief of Ordnance, directed that 1,109 Spencer M1865 carbines be converted to two-band muskets. Each was fitted with Springfield .50 caliber barrels which held the standard M1855 pattern bayonet. The conversion work was done at Springfield Armory.