Guns International #: 101616775

Category - Civil War Rifles - Antique Rifles - Cartridge

Category
Civil War Rifles
Antique Rifles - Cartridge

WILDERS LIGHTNING BRIGADE SPENCER RIFLE 123 ILL

Description:
A truly rare and HISTORIC Spencer Civil War Repeating Rifle issued to the 123 Illinois Co. A  Infantry. Serial No. 4369. One of the five mounted infantry regiments of the Famous WILDERS LIGHTNING BRIGADE! The other regiments were the 92nd and 98th Illinois, the 17th and 72nd Indiana. Along with Berdan's Sharpshooters, Wilders Lightning Brigade made the two most feared Yankee units of the war. Berdan's were armed with Sharps Rifles and Wilder's armed with Spencer Repeating Rifles. Wilders was the first to use the new Spencer during the war at Hoover's Gap, Tenn. in June of 1863. THE MOST POWERFUL SMALL ARM OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR. There are only maybe 10 to12 known 123rd marked rifles known. I'm sure there are some more, but they haven't come to light as of now. I've been collecting Wilders Brigade for over 25 years and I've owned 4 of the known marked guns. I've owned this gun since Jan/ 2000. Been in my collection since. It is marked on top pf the barrel Co. A No. 32 123ILL. It has a couple of initials of M A scratched in the stock. There is a Micheal Alexander in Co. D. Don't know if it was him? As with any Wilders rifle, I always say the rougher the better. You don't want a minty gun. You want one that has been used hard in combat and in the saddle. Extreme wear on the forend was caused by the few different ways of carrying the rifle while on horseback. The history of WILDERS BRIGADE during the war is a fascinating story. And to own one of the few documented rifles is really a treat and honor. Please call 973-214-3407 with questions.

SOLD

Antique: Yes