Original British P-1864 Snider MkII** Three Band Rifle by Birmingham Small Arms – dated 1871 Original Items

Original item: Only one Available. This came to us out a private collection we recently acquired, and did not come out of Nepal. It may well have been one of the LAST SNIDER Rifles to be constructed for Military use in that it is dated 1871, the year the British Government adopted THE MARTINI HENRY system. The Martini took the Military by storm and forged an Empire for Queen Victoria.

This late Snider is marked B.S.A. Co.  / 1871 on the Lock Plate and also carries the stamping of the CROWN / V.R. across its tail, indicating manufacture by Birmingham Small Arms Co. This same company would later manufacture the Martini-Henry rifle, and many other small arms during its long history. The V.R. proof indicates this rifle was made for the British Military, and was not an export or colonial service rifle.

In fine shape, it is fitted with a Mark II * * action, as marked on the chamber. The early pattern breech block without lock is marked BSA Co. on the top. The barrel still has the original proof marks on the left side under the sight, and there are proof marks on many other parts of the rifle as well. The original stock stamp still is legible and reads R. M. / ENFIELD. The lock still functions correctly, holding and half cock, and the three-groove rifled barrel is mostly bright, with visible rifling.

Very clean, well serviced and comes complete with ramrod. Simply a great example of a British Snider Rifle. Ready to add to your collection and display! 

History of the Snider rifle– Jacob Snider, an American from New York, developed this breech loading system for the P-1853 Enfield, the most prolific imported Percussion rifle in use by both the North and South during the U.S. Civil War. When the British Board of Ordnance appointed a Select Committee in 1864 the Snider system was swiftly adopted with the first breech loaders being issued in 1865 to British forces.

Improved in 1867 by the use of Colonel Boxer’s center fire brass bodied cartridge, the rifle was used very effectively in the Abyssinian Campaign of 1868. The system utilized a hinged breech block with an internal firing pin assembly that permitted the use of a self contained cartridge of lead bullet in cardboard, and, after 1867, brass casing. This highly efficient conversion system prolonged the active life of the P-1853 rifles up until 1871 when the Martini System was adopted. Snider rifles saw continued use throughout the Empire but were officially obsoleted by the late 1880s.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1871
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 36.5 inches 
Overall Length: 54 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.