Original British P-1864 Snider type Breech Loading Rifle with Eight Groove Barrel – Excellent Bore Original Items

Original Item: 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.

This example is complete and all original, and is in excellent condition 36 1/2″ barrel with the signature three steel bands, brass trigger guard, cleaning rod, functioning lock with nipple, adjustable ladder-back sight, and brass butt plate.

What sets this example apart from the rest of our snider is the excellent condition, fully-cleaned 8-groove rifled barrel. We have sold many cleaned and complete rifles over the years, but this is the first time we have found one with 8 groove rifling and offered it for sale.

This weapon are from our 2003 acquisition of the Nepal Royal Arsenal. Date and origin of manufacture are unknown. We suspect it was manufactured in Nepal under British War Department supervision. Although it is possible that it is unmarked British Manufacture which the Nepalese then made their own.

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