Original British Victorian P-1869 Snider-Enfield MkIII Rifle by Birmingham Small Arms Co. – dated 1871 Original Items

Original item: Only one Available. This came to us from a recent gun show, and did not come out of Nepal. This is a very late production Three-Band Snider-Enfield rifle, with a fantastic “service worn” look. This very nice example is marked B.S.A. Co. / 1871 on the lock plate, for manufacture by the prolific Birmingham Small Arms Company. Above 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.

In fine service used shape, it is fitted with a Mark III action, as marked on the chamber. It is also marked B.S.A. Co. on the breech block, along with a WD War Department proof and other markings. The breech block is the final locking version, and still locks very well, though it does look like the locking lever was replaced at some point by a fabricated example. The barrel still has the original proof marks on the left side under the sight, including STEEL, CROWN / VR, and various Birmingham and war department proofs. There are additional proofs on the action, and on many of the other components as well.

The metalwork overall has a lovely polished patina, showing some past oxidation. 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 shows three groove rifling, and is in very good condition, showing a mostly bright finish with clear land and grooves, with just a bit of fouling and oxidation in the grooves.

The stock is in good service used condition, with a lovely patina of age. There are lots of pressure dents, markings, and other wear consistent with long service. The wood butt stock retains parts of its original stock cartouche, though it is unfortunately not legible. There does look to be a grafted in wood repair on the left side of the stock.

A very nice service used example of a late production Snider rifle. We suspect it saw much time being carried, but very little actually being fired, based on the bore condition. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1871
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

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.