Officers Snider-Enfield Mk II** by L.S.A. & Co Private Purchase 3 Band Rifle…
Created on May 11th 2023
Excellent & Interesting 3-Band Snider Enfield by L.S.A. & Co’
An interesting private purchase three-band Rifle to a Captain, possibly in the Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, by renown makers The London Small Arms Company. Single shot with a Rolling Breech, they are Chambered in .577 as the British Military round of the day. Snider conversions which this example is were made from stocks of Percussion muskets that had Iron barrels. Consequently the best version that actually emerged from the stable was the purpose built Mk III, which used steel. However, these early conversions do have a major following among collectors around the world. Trying to place a standard military rifle from any country is usually a thankless task as being produced in such high numbers the markings are minimal and provide few clues. However this example, being a private purchase, by its nature is already providing tantalising clues as to its own history. Further investigation is most certainly needed.
Always built to a slightly better standard than examples from the Army stock these weapons sold directly to officers commanded a premium, even in the day. The regular examples, fielded by the army are perfectly good pieces but, to appeal to the sense of entitlement within the officer class, private retailers offered an improved version from what a regular would be shooting, to appeal to the young officers of the day. Better timber was used with more attention to finish and with the added extra of a chequered stock. The lock plate and the hammer were engraved with border embellishment with the retailers address prominent. Finally the officer has had his name and unit engraved upon the butt-stock tang. In every other detail the weapon is the same as the regular soldier would be carrying and that includes calibre and sighting so, although a cut-above the standard, it would not create any problems with supply or use. In many cases an Officer could purchase his uniform at the same place he bought his weapons.
Overall this fine rifle measures 55″ long. The round barrel is 36″ long. The rigger Pull is a nominal 14″ to centre. Dark walnut single piece stock with straight wrist and cross hatched wrist and fore-end. On the RHS of the butt-stock is a clear stamp arranged in a circular form which reads;- “LONDON ARMOURY – 54 KING WILLIAM ST. EC” with “JA.s KERR & CO” running horizontally across the meridian. Steel upper tang to butt-plate with inscription which is very difficult to read as heavily corroded, however to me and I stand to be corrected the discernible portions read;- ” Capt’ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ / 1st Lanc_ _ _ _ _ R.V.” Further research could be conducted as this rifle was sourced in Canada…! Were the 1st Lancashire Rifle Volunteers ever in Canada ? What is good about this is it brings together a Captain and a Private Purchase for a start, which is correct.
The flat lock-plate is border engraved as is the hammer. At the rear of the lock is a clear “V.R with intricate crown. Directly in front of the hammer are the makers details;- “LONDON ARMOURY / 54 KING WILLm ST. / E.C.” The finish on the lock plate has mostly degraded away leaving a dark grey to plum brown. There is a light smattering of surface pitting but in general it is a very attractive lock and hammer. On the crest of the receiver are the simple markings ” II / * / *” The top of the block is marked with an Enfield crowned inspectors mark and “L.S.A.C” Multiple inspection and proof marks on the LHS of the chamber. The action functions perfectly correctly and the opening for the breech is a plum brown within. Standard ladder rear sight graduated to 950 yards. The side of the ramp is marked with range stages from 1 – 4. The ladder face from 5 – 8. The final mark is found on the top of the sight when in the upright position. On the rear face of the ladder face is a solitary “2” indicating for use with Mk Two ammunition.
Three bands secure the barrel to the stock with reverse thread clamping screws under. Steel trigger guard with fine double line engraved border. The rear sling swivel is mounted on the forward end of the trigger guard which in turn has the nipple protector chain attached. A previous owner has turned a fine Oak buffer for the hammer. The main lock screws have steel border engraved escutcheons. Full length cleaning rod stored under barrel. Forward sling swivel at front band. Mid band shows some damage on the crest. Simple front sight on a block which also acts as the bayonet lug. Finish on the action is the most worn – to silver. The barrel has lost most of its finish upon the exposed parts although it does survive on the underside. Although an Officers weapon, this rifle has obviously been used, so it was not hidden away in a tent to the rear; our elusive Captain obviously didn’t shy from the battle. The bore shows strong three-grove rifling with some light surface pitting – proof of use.
A fine looking rifle steeped in history and worth further investigation.
No License required – Antique
£ 1550.
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