Original British Victorian P-1867 Snider MkII* Cavalry Carbine by Enfield – Engraved Afghanistan with Bring Back Papers Original Items

Original item: Only one Available. This came to us from a recent gun show, and did not come out of Nepal. This is a lovely P-1867 Snider MkII* Cavalry carbine, which was recently brought back from Afghanistan. It comes complete with a copy of the signed 2017 dated AFFIDAVIT with all the correct stamps, indicating that CRAIG. C. PEARSON was allowed to bring it back to the U.S..

It matches the pattern for a converted carbine quite well, and was most likely captured or left behind during one of the several Anglo-Afghan wars. It was then kept in good serviceable condition, and a good part of the barrel and associated fittings were heavily engraved, showing some designs that are really quite lovely. The barrel is almost completely covered on the top, and there even is a good amount of engraving on the bottom near the muzzle.

This early Snider conversion is marked 1863 / ENFIELD on the Lock Plate to the left of the CROWN / Broad Arrow “Lock Viewer’s mark” and also carries the stamping of the CROWN / V.R. across its tail. This indicates manufacture at the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock, which would later go on to manufacture many famous British Long arms. The V.R. proof indicates this Snider cavalry carbine was made for the British Military, and was not intended for export or colonial service.

In fine shape, it is fitted with a Mark II* action, as marked on the chamber ring / shoe next to the number 40000, which we do not understand the significance of. The breech block is the correct Mark II* type, and has the small spring loaded locking ball at the bottom of the breech. It still locks relatively well, and the top of the breech block bears a WD War Department proof. There are additional British proofs on the breech area, as well as on the left side of the barrel by the rear sight, which looks to possibly be a rifle sight.

The lock still functions, however it does not hold securely at half cock due to wear of the tumbler or some other internal deficiency. The breech opens correctly, with an intact firing pin, and can be pulled back to eject spent cartridge casings. The barrel features three groove rifling, and is in very good condition considering the age and where the carbine was found. The surface is partly bright, with clear lands and grooves, and some overall oxidation and fouling.

The correct saddle bar with one ring still attached, however it also has front and rear sling swivels. It also features front and rear sling swivels, with the correct style of barrel band. The butt stock itself still bears a very faint ENFIELD stock rondel, but no other markings, and looks like it may have been refinished since it was brought back from Afghanistan.

A very interesting and decorative Afghanistan Bring back Snider Carbine. We definitely don’t get these very often at all!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1863 – Converted Later
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 19 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 37 1/2 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block

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.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.