DESCRIPTION: Scarce Belgian manufactured Spencer M.1865 cavalry saddle ring carbine. This is a Brazilian M.1873/76 military contract carbine, as indicated by Brazilian arsenal cartouche stamped on the right side of the buttstock, "Fabrica d'Armas na Conceicao, AGC" (Arsenal de Guerra da Corte). Spencer M.1865 repeating carbine replaced Minie carbine as a primarily Brazilian cavalry weapon during the Paraguayan War. It was the first repeating long gun issued to Brazilian military forces (along with Winchester M.1866). Brazilian Spencers were purchased from the USA and Belgium. This carbine was manufactured by Union Armuriére Belge in Liege, Belgium, as indicated by marking on the upper part of the receiver. The left side of the receiver displays "Crown over E (in a circle)". The Liege house proof marks are stamped on the receiver and barrel. Several other Belgian maker's marks and proofs are stamped on various parts of the carbine. Spencer is a manually operated lever-action repeater fed from a tube magazine. It was adopted by the Union Army cavalry, during the American Civil War. Carbine style stock with one barrel band. Steel receiver. Ramp and leaf rear sight. Fixed front sight. Overall length: 37.25 inch. Barrel length: 20 inch. Scarce! CONDITION: Overall, in NRA antique fine condition. The metal parts are covered with uniform light patina. No pitting. The stocks show the usual handling marks, light dings and scratches. The finish on the stocks is original. No cracks in wood. Bore is in excellent condition, with strong and shiny rifling. Mechanically, the carbine is in fine condition with crisp, strong action. All the internal parts of the rifle are in fine condition, with no visible wear. All the markings and numbers on metal and wood are clearly visible. Excellent quality of machining and parts fitting! The rifle comes from my family member collection of military firearms. Nice example of scarce Belgian Spencer M.1865 cavalry carbine!
