Nickel plated Spencer Carbine - Presentation model?

[triplecanopy]

I have had this Spencer Carbine for 50+ years and have always wondered about it. It is in very fine condition with a sharp crisp bore and perfect wood. I tried to show the inspectors cartouche in one photo.  Everything including the magazine tube appears to be nickel plated at some time. The serial number is in the 11,000 range. Photos don't really do it justice. It is in exceptional condition. It looks to me that it might have been a trophy or presentation piece. Any one else encountered a nickel plated Spencer Carbine or Rifle?     Any ideas are much appreciated.

[VMI88]

It wasn't uncommon for weapons displayed at GAR halls to be nickel plated. 

[triplecanopy]

1 hour ago, VMI88 said:

It wasn't uncommon for weapons displayed at GAR halls to be nickel plated. 

That is an interesting possibility. I had not thought of that. Also suggested was it might be a US Navy contract carbine since the nickel would offer some protection to the salt air. Thanks.

[brad k]

I had a sharps carbine that had an acid etched damascine finish on the barrel, I was told that things like that were done after the war when they were sold as surplus guns to jazz them up for the civilian market.

[VMI88]

2 hours ago, triplecanopy said:

Also suggested was it might be a US Navy contract carbine since the nickel would offer some protection to the salt air. Thanks.

 

Spencer did make a Navy contract rifle but not a carbine (to the best of my recollection - someone correct me if I'm wrong!). It also was not plated as I recall. I think the most likely explanation is the rifle was plated postwar for display of civilian use. Still a nice early carbine! 

[triplecanopy]

Thanks for your comments. Display makes the most logical sense to me. It saw very little use as there is no wear evident.