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J.P. Lower (Denver, CO) Marked Spencer Hunting Rifle Made From Carbine with Documented Civil War His

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
J.P. Lower (Denver, CO) Marked Spencer Hunting Rifle Made From Carbine with Documented Civil War His

Estimate: $2500 - 4000
Originally a Civil War Spencer carbine that was subsequently modified by a period gunsmith to rifle configuration. In the included Springfield Research Service letter, it is confirmed that this Spencer was issued to Private Orlando Ailshire of the Co. G, 12th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry during the Civil War. Ailshire was born in Hancock County, Illinois, and was 19 years old when he joined the 12th Ill. Vol. Cav. on December 23, 1863. He would later die of typhoid fever at Napoleonville, La, circa June 27, 1864. The 12th Ill. Vol. Cav. saw extensive action during the Civil War. The volunteer cavalry fought with the Army of the Potomac from Malvern Hill in April 1862 through Rappahannock Station in October 1863 to take part in all major battles and numerous small actions. The 12th was then transferred to the southern theater and fought at Alexandria and Bayou Teche, La. The 12th had been moved to Napoleonville, La., on June 11, 1864, a few days before Ailshire's death. Research materials pertaining to the 12th Ill. Vol. Cav. and copies of Ailshire's service records are included in this lot. Also included is Eugene and Linda Solyntjes' book "The Search for Corporal Dow", which lists this Spencer by serial number as being issued to Private Orlando Ailshire (page 31). As stated, this original Civil War issued carbine was later modified by a period gunsmith into rifle configuration with a full octagon barrel which gauges at .45 caliber. The top barrel flat is marked "J.P. LOWER" at the breech and the barrel has fixed sights. Lower was a Denver, Colorado, gunsmith. The top of the receiver has the three line Spencer address/patent dates marking. The saddle ring bar has been removed. It has a smooth Schnabel forearm and straight grip stock with buttstock sling swivel.
BBL: 31 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 20221
Condition: Good. The rifle has a mottled brown-gray patina with minor pitting. The wood is fair with a few cracks on the buttstock and some pressure dents overall. Mechanically fine.
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