Original British P-1864 Nepalese Gurkha Snider Two Band Short Rifle made with British Parts – Nakku Arsenal Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a Two Band Pattern 1864 Snider short rifle, most likely assembled at the NAKKU ARSENAL in KATHMANDU under British Supervision. Unlike most that we see, this one is made using BRITISH MARKED parts, including the barrel, receiver, and breech block. The lock and stock look to be Nepalese or Indian manufacture, and are really quite nice. Both are completely unmarked.

In the 19th early 19th century much British assistance, Nepal created its own Military quality Arms Industry based at Nakku. The Nepalese had originally been armed with match locks when the Gurkha armies invaded India in 1813. After the Treaty of Seguli in 1816 the British provided Military technicians to bring the Nepalese army into the modern world. They started by producing the Third Model Brown Bess (India Pattern). The P-1837 Brunswick Rifle followed, and then the P-1853 Percussion Rifle Musket and then to the Snider Rifle of the 1860’s and 1870’s. They later produced several Martini action rifles and even Metford and S.M.L.E. bolt action Rifles for WWI.

Two Band Short Snider Rifles such as this fine example were used by Gurkha Infantry Mountain troops as well as Artillery. This example most closely conforms to the Snider MkII standard, with the non-locking breech and screw tightened barrel bands. The breech does have the pressure lock on the bottom, however this was eventually decided to not be secure enough and replaced with the locking MkIII Breech.

This example has been expertly restored by our IMA master antique gunsmiths. It is sound, and functions correctly, and has been brought back to life to appear how it must have looked the day it was issued. It still has the original rear sight, which is marked with European style numbers. It has the front sling swivel, though the rear one is unfortunately missing, as is the bolster on the butt stock that would have held it.

Bore has a bright finish, with clear lands and grooves in the 3-groove rifling. It does show some light wear and fouling, so it did see some level of service. The lock still functions correctly, holding at half cock and firing at full.

In excellent cleaned condition ready to display.

Specifications-

Years of Manufacture: 1850s-1870s
Caliber: .577 Snider
Ammunition Type: Center Fire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 30 Inches
Overall Length: 47 1/2 Inches
Action: Side-hinged breechblock
Feed System: Single Shot

History of the Snider-

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 breechloaders 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 obsolete 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.