Original British Victorian P-1866 Snider MkIII Three Band Rifle by RSAF Enfield – dated 1869 Original Items

Original item: Only one Available. This came to us out a private collection we recently acquired, and did not come out of Nepal. This late Snider is marked 1869 / ENFIELD on the Lock Plate under the 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, which would later go on to manufacture many famous British Long arms.The V.R. proof indicates this rifle was made for the British Military, and was not an export or colonial service rifle.

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. The lock still functions correctly, holding and half cock, though it has a very short amount of travel, so it the breech doesn’t open until it is fully cocked. The three-groove rifled barrel is mostly bright, with visible rifling.

Very clean, well serviced and comes complete with ramrod, though the trigger guard swivel is missing. Simply a great example of a British Snider Rifle. Ready to add to your collection and display! 

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.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: 1869
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 36.5 inches 
Overall Length: 54 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block

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