Spencer Carbine Rifle
Artifact IDMO 63.1508a
Object Type
Rifle
Date
ca. 1860's
Manufacturer
Christopher Miner Spencer
(gun manufacturer)
Gifter
United States Army
Medium
Metal, wood, brass
DimensionsOverall L 39 1/2 in (100.3 cm)
Physical DescriptionSpencer carbine firearm with a brass plaque inscribed "To President John F. Kennedy on his Birthday 29 May 1963…". The magazine is loaded through the butt of the rifle.
Historical NoteThis rifle was presented to President John F. Kennedy by the United States Army on the occasion of his birthday May 29, 1963, in recognition of his continuing interest in the American soldier. President Kennedy had this rifle mounted and hung in the Oval Office. The Spencer carbine was one of the most popular firearms of the Civil War though it was not issued until the latter part of 1863. Its distinguishing feature is that it had a magazine that could hold seven metallic rimfire cartridges, which were fed to the breech by a compressed spring in the magazine.
Additional DetailsCustodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view