Original British Victorian P-1866 Snider MkIII Prison Service Smoothbore Tower Short Rifle – lock dated 1859 Original Items

Original item: Only one Available. We just received this very nice example from the estate of a longtime customer. This is a very nice late production Two Band Snider Short rifle. The barrel measures 26 1/2″ overall and was made smoothbore especially for prison service. The fixed back sight is the tell tale giveaway of this having been a prison service weapon, which was used more as a shotgun than a rifle.

This very nice example is marked 1859 / TOWER on the lock plate, indicating it was produced to the standards set forward by the Tower Armory. To the right of this is the correct “Lock Viewer’s” CROWN / ARROW marking, and it also carries the stamping of the CROWN / V.R. across its tail. The V.R. proof indicates this rifle was made for the British Military, and was not an export or colonial service rifle. The brass Butt Plate marked with 62, the prison rack number.

In fine shape, it is fitted with a Mark III action, as marked on the chamber. The breech block is the final locking version, and still locks very well. 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. It is marked STEEL, indicating that it is a forged barrel. There is a also a marking of N.S. / N.A.H., which we have seen on other examples before, possibly indicating where it saw prison service.

The lock still functions correctly, holding and half cock and firing at full. The smoothbore barrel has a beautiful bore, showing very little to no use since being bored out. The stock is in good service used condition, with a lovely dark red brown color. it does not show any major structural issues that we can see. The brass hardware has a lovely polished patina.

Very clean, well serviced and comes complete with ramrod, and both sling swivels. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1859 – converted later possibly
Caliber: .63 inches – Smoothbore – about 18 gauge
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 26 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 44 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.