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Christopher Miner Spencer
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
Christopher Miner Spencer
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

Christopher Miner Spencer

gun manufacturer
Christopher Miner Spencer designed the Spencer Repeating Rifle and carbine, which were manufactured by the Spencer Company or Spencer Repeating Rifle Company. Christopher Miner Spencer was American inventor and manufacturer. In 1860 he patented a repeating carbine whose seven cartridges could be fired in 18 seconds. It was quickly adopted by the U.S. government for cavalry use, and Spencer built his own factory, which produced 200,000 Spencer carbines and rifles during the Civil War. He also patented a breechloader and a magazine gun. He later contributed considerably to the technology of drop forging.