Approximately 50,000 of these carbines were manufactured between 1863 and 1865 for the Union Army. This rifle was later updated and fitted with a heavy barrel, likely for a buffalo hunter. Spencers were among the first repeating rifles available in the West alongside the Henry rifles but offered more firepower and thus were better suited to big game. It has a dovetailed German silver blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight, and "REMINGTON 8" marking on the upper left at the breech. The top of the frame has the three-line marking. The serial number is marked on top. A saddle ring is fitted on the left. The stock has an "M" hand-marked on the left.

Good, full of frontier character, with untouched original gray and brown patina overall, mild pitting, and general mild overall wear typical of a western used gun. The front screw from the trigger plate is absent. The wood is very good and has light scratches and marks, a dent on the forend, and fairly minor wear. Mechanically fine.