Cartridge case ID? 56-56 Spencer rifle?

[jnyork]

We own a few acres on the site of Camp Stambaugh, an Army camp of the 1871-1877 era, built to protect the mining areas of South Pass City, Atlantic City and Miner's Delight from the depradations of the Indians. It was torn down and abandoned in 1878.

My wife out walking the dogs a few days ago picked up a cartridge case from where it had lain for the last 140 years or so, it is in good condition except for where some critter stepped on it and bent the neck a little.

Careful perusal of "Cartridges of the World" does not reveal a case with these exact dimensions, althought the closest would be the 56-56 Spencer rifle, which would be consistant with the soldiers being there, also quite a few military rifles of unknown model were issued to the civilians at Atlantic City on at least one occasion.

Measurements are as follows: Rim diameter: .650 Case diameter just above the rim: .575. Length: .950, it is a rimfire and has one firing pin mark. (some cases found by us have had two marks, one on each side).

Any help will be appreciated.

[Hobie]

Sounds right. Apparently there was some variation in actual dimensions between production of the various makers. If at first firing it didn't work you might get a second try/strike. http://www.ammo-one.com/56-56Spencer.html

[jnyork]

Thanks, Hobie, must be a Spencer cartridge, no headstamp.

[DixieBoy]

Well, it is a small world. I posted a question here a few minutes ago because I was curious about something I stumbled across in a great book I've just finished. See my thread titled Spencer Rifle and Cartridge Question (6/28/2012). Well, I think I've answered my question Jerry, and maybe this can help you too.

I've been doing an internet search about the .56-56 Spencer Rounds. It seems there were quite a few manufacturers - Union (who sometimes - but not always - had a "U" on the base of the brass, Sage Co. from Middleton, Conn., Winchester (who put an "H" on their cases, as they'd been using this for the Henry Company production of ammo, and it carried over onto Winchester ammunition as well. There are quite a few outfits who made cartridges for the Spencer it seems.

Fascinating stuff. That is an extremely cool find you made. Can you post a picture of it ? - DixieBoy

[Don McDowell]

If the cases with the double firing pin marks , have the marks on opposing edges those were most likely fired out of henry or 66 winchesters.

[rat patrol]

If you send me a photo with a scale next to the cartridge I'll try and ID it....have the books.

[DixieBoy]

Don - That's interesting. The Henrys and Winchester '66 had two rimfire firing pins ?

The description which got me curious about this was in a book, though I was surprised to see
how many photos were available online. Also, a very surprising amount of firms who made ammunition
for the Spencer. - DixieBoy