THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED
An 1860 Spencer Carbine Honoring Two Legendary Civil War Leaders
In the spring of 1861, Federal forces at Fort Sumter were fired upon. Months of tension between the North and South erupted in cannon fire, and men across the country were forced to choose sides. Their decisions played a pivotal role in the future of the United States and the lasting legacy for each of them.
President Lincoln offered Robert E. Lee an army to crush the rebellion, but Lee declined. Accepting command would be a betrayal of his home state, and Lee would not fight Virginia. The South was his home. He resigned, turning his back on a decorated military career. At that moment, he vowed only to raise his sword in defense of his home state. The rest is history, as Robert E. Lee would play a monumental role leading the Confederate forces in the fight against the Union. For Ulysses S. Grant, there was nothing more important than preserving the Union. To him, it was also a matter of loyalty, but it was loyalty to the nation he had sworn to protect.
In the War Between the States, Lee and Grant became rivals, but throughout every battle, they would remain gentlemen. They respected and feared each other in equal measure. The soldiers who fought under the command of General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant witnessed greatness. Lee was the embodiment of the Virginia Gentleman, a distinguished man of integrity and character. In combat, Lee was brilliant, a cunning strategist, and an inspiring leader who repeatedly beat the odds. Taking command of the Northern troops sealed Ulysses S. Grant’s legacy as one of the most celebrated military commanders of any war. Following the war, Grant helped stabilize the nation by serving as president of the reunited United States of America.
Quite simply, there are no two military legends more important or impactful to the story of the United States during the era of the Civil War. That’s why America Remembers is proud to announce an exclusive new issue, the Lee & Grant Civil War Tribute Spencer Rifle that commemorates both generals and the men who valiantly fought on both sides. Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers have transformed a working recreation of the Spencer carbine rifle into a handsome firearm masterpiece elegantly decorated in sparkling 24-karat gold and nickel. Talented artists have immortalized the generals with striking portraits and finely detailed battle scenes. The Tribute captures a Civil War Era classic and is elegantly decorated in the tradition of fine presentation firearms.
The right side of the receiver features General Robert E. Lee proudly attired in formal military dress in front of the McClean House, the site in Appomattox of Lee’s formal surrender to Grant.
The scene to the left of Lee’s portrait depicts a tense moment from the Battle of Cold Harbor. Union soldiers launched a frontal assault against the fortified positions of Lee’s Confederate forces, where thousands of Northern infantry were lost in what became one of the bloodiest battles in American history. It was a resounding victory for Lee.
On the right of Lee’s portrait is a group of Confederate soldiers in the Battle of Chancellorsville. Up against General Joseph Hooker’s Army of the Potomac, the Confederate Army needed a bold plan to defeat a force of men more than twice its size. Lee made the daring decision to divide his troops with a daring flank attack. The risk paid off and the fight that resulted is still known as Lee’s “perfect battle.”
Also on the right, just to the rear of the lock plate is a symbol of Civil War Era American bald eagle with stars. Through the stars you can read the phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (Latin for “out of many, one”).
On the left of the receiver is an iconic Matthew Brady photo of General Ulysses S. Grant leaning against a post at Cold Harbor. His strategy and tenacity under fire kept his Union Army one step ahead of the Confederates. The scene to the left of Grant shows a Union gun crew manning their Napoleon cannon during the Battle of Vicksburg. After racking up months of impressive victories, Grant and his men seized Vicksburg, Mississippi. To the right is a scene of heavy fighting from the Battle of Gettysburg, considered the most significant conflict of the Civil War. The final, epic battle was kicked off by “Pickett’s Charge,” a bold frontal assault into the heart of the Union lines at Cemetery Ridge. The offensive failed, resulting in massive casualties for both sides with Robert E. Lee ordering his Confederate forces to pull back and retrench further south. Gettysburg marked the end of Lee’s northern invasion.
On top of the tang, just behind the hammer, you will find a scene depicting a handshake between Grant and Lee during the historic surrender at Appomattox.
The Rifle That Made History
One of the most important new firearms introduced during the war was the Spencer carbine rifle. The seven-shot repeater loaded through the butt of the rifle and fired self-contained metallic cartridges. The Spencer carbine could fire seven cartridges in less than 30 seconds. As expected, the Spencer became a popular carbine for Cavalry troopers after its introduction in 1863. More than 100,000 Spencers were put into service by the end of the war. In combat, its firepower was devastating.
The Lee & Grant Civil War Tribute Spencer Rifle is a fully functional, working recreation of the Spencer carbine in caliber .56-50 produced by the Old World craftsmen of Chiappa Firearms. Their craftsmen magnificently capture the details of the classic Spencer carbine. Each Tribute features a blued 20” barrel with decorative 24-karat gold artwork and stunning polished and lacquered walnut stocks. The barrel band, lever, hammer, trigger, swivel sling, buttplate, and tubular magazine are also polished and finished in lustrous 24-karat gold. The Tribute is elegantly appointed with handsome artwork on the receiver featuring each of these legendary generals from classic photographs from the era.
Only 500 Available
Only 500 Lee & Grant Civil War Tribute Spencer Rifles will ever be produced. Each rifle is individually numbered and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The Tribute is available exclusively through America Remembers. We will arrange delivery through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. As always, you will receive the Lee & Grant Civil War Tribute Spencer Rifle with our 30-day guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund. The war that divided a nation 150 years ago will forever be a part of what defines America. The Lee and Grant Tribute stands as a reminder of an era that changed our country forever, and two distinguished military leaders whose place in American history will live forever.
MODEL: Spencer Carbine CALIBER: .56-50 BARREL: 20”