Spencer Model 1865 with “Lewis Payne 1865” and 5 notches on stock

Description

SPENCER MILITARY CARBINE MODEL 1865 WITH STABLER CUTOFF.

Lightly etched into left side of stock. “Lewis Payne 1865”: etched on side of stock and 5 notches carved on right rear  of stock.

So was this the Lewis Powell (alias Lewis Payne) that deserted the North, took the South Oath of allegance and was with John Wilks Booth in the assassanation of President Lincoln April 14, 1865?

Lewis Payne turned 21 years of age in April 1865 and was hung for his participation in the assassination in July 1865. His job was to kill the attorney general of the United States but the attorney general had his neck wrapped because he had been injured and Lewis Payne could not get the knofe to penetrate the wrap before he was chased off by the fanily.

This Burnside Spencer would have been manufactured in 1862-1863 with the first two shipments of the military, The serial number and the history of John Powell aka. John Payne fit into the story.

Stock 276 – SN 1758