I'm hoping that someone may be able to help me determine the original destination for this firearm, ie whether it was military issue or something else. Also if possible when it was made.The information on top of the action is as shown below.

MODEL 1863
SPENCER REPEATING RIFLE
PAT'D MARCH 6 1860
MANUF'D AT PROV R.I.
BY BURNSIDE RIFLE CO.

SERIAL NO. 17804

I would appreciate any kind of information that you have, I am using this item as the subject for a research paper. I've found an ample supply of generic information reffering to the Spencers, but figured some specific stuff would really help.

Thanks alot,
John