Snider-Enfield Mk III Infantry 3-Band Rifle. SOLD

Rare and Complete Mk III Snider-Enfield Rifle

Built to full military specifications by Enfield, a full length Mk III Snider Enfield Infantry Rifle.  Takes the .577 cartridge and was the final development of the Snider in service.  Single shot with a swinging breech and an ejector which will remove the spent brass cartridge.  Full length rifles of this mark are a rare find, especially in good condition  Mainly because government built rifles went to the regulars who were in most of the scrapes and attrition would be high for that reason.  So to find such an example built by the primary supplier is a bonus.

The rifle measures 54.1/4″ in overall length, so you need either a large space on the wall or a musket sized steel cabinet if its going on ticket.  The round blued barrel which is turning a very even and pleasing plumb-brown is 36.1/2″ long.  The trigger Pull is 13″ to centre.  Full length English Walnut stock with three barrel bands and brass fittings.  The stock light in colour with rich golden tones and a mild tiger stripe on the top rear of the butt-stock.  The RHS of the butt-stock has faint roundels marked on its flat surface.  The most legible is an early “R crown M /ENFIELD, with a W.D & Arrow”  in the centre, for RSAF Enfield.  Under that “1.”  There is another roundel to its left but illegible. Brass butt-plate with Enfield inspection mark.  Brass trigger guard with rear sling swivel to front.  All the blued steel barrel bands are “WD” and Enfield accepted. The front has the forward sling swivel attached,  Full length cleaning rod stored under barrel.

Flat steel lock with large hammer marked with “VR Royal Cypher” for Victoria to the rear.  Forward of the hammer; “Crown / arrow / 1869 / ENFIELD”.  Blued swinging breech lock with firing pin and locking latch.  When manually pulled to the rear this ejects the cartridge.  The top of the block marked to the rear with Enfield and WD inspection marks.  When fully rolled open the serial number of “8794” can be read on the underside of the block.  Pressing the cross hatched button to the side retracts the locking lug at the rear of the block, this can more easily be seen when the block is tipped open.  The pin at the side that the block slides on has a sprung housing which returns the block to the correct position as soon as released.  The firing pin is also held back to avoid damage or a misfire when closing the block.  The receiver ring is clearly marked “III” on the crest. Flip-up ladder rear sight graduated 1 to 4 on the side of the ramp and 5 to 8 on the ladder face with sliding “V” aim point. Simple front sight on a block which acts as a bayonet lug.

Multiple proof and inspection / viewing and acceptance marks can be observed on the LHS rear of the barrel and the receiver ring.  Also the word “STEEL” at the forward end meaning this is a steel barrel.  This mark were made from scratch and not a conversion but had a steel barrel.  This is why they are deemed the most suitable for occasional shooting (once reproofed)  Good bore, minor pitting. Clean with continuous three-groove rifling.  One minor issue, only of any concern to the target shooter; the muzzle has been dinked;  on very close observation it can be seen that the muzzle looks like it has been dropped upon, causing the crown to be slightly deformed. It is now slightly out of right angle to the bore – it could be remedied on a lathe.  Otherwise a fine and collectible rifle of the British Empire forging days.

No license required

£ 1495.  SOLD

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