U.S. MILITARY CONTRACT CARBINE Description
.56-56 Spencer rimfire cal., single shot, tilting block lever action with two-piece split breech, 22 in. round barrel, single barrel band, marked "DWIGHT, CHAPIN & CO/BRIDGEPORT, CONN./MERWIN & BRAY AGTS./N.Y." over serial number (approx. S/N range 1-115) on left side of frame, right side marked "BALLARD'S PATENT/NOV.5,1861", open sights, front blade sight, walnut two-piece buttstock marked "EMD" (for E.M. Dustin) and forearm, carbine buttplate marked "D" along with several small parts, combination serpentine trigger guard, lever. Mfg. circa 1862-1863. RF=5.