Original British Victorian P-1869 Snider MkIII Cavalry Carbine by RSAF Enfield – dated 1870 Original Items

Original item: Only one Available. This came to us from a recent gun show, and did not come out of Nepal. This late Snider is marked 1870 / ENFIELD on the Lock Plate under 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 III action, as marked on the chamber ring. The breech block is the final locking version bearing a War Department proof, and still locks very well. The barrel still has the original proof marks on the left side under the sight next to a STEEL marking, and there are proof marks on many other parts of the rifle as well. The lock still functions correctly, holding and half cock, and firing full, allowing the breech to open at half cock. The breech unlocks correctly, with an intact firing pin, and can be pulled back to eject spent cartridge casings. The barrel features five groove rifling, and is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear land and grooves, with just a bit of oxidation in areas.

This particular carbine does not have the saddle ring bar on the left side, and has the correct “teardrop” shaped brass escutcheons for carbines without the bar. There is however a steel saddle ring attached to an iron extension of the trigger guard on the butt stock. The butt stock itself still bears an ENFIELD stock rondel, as well as the “opposed broad arrows”, meaning it was sold out of service once obsolete.

A very nice example, showing wear from service as well as some minor wood worm damage on the butt stock. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1870
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 19 inches
Overall Length: 37 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.