Mk II ** Snider Enfield Three-Band Rifle……………….SOLD

A very good, interesting  Snider-Enfield MKII** Three-Band Rifle

This rifle is the MkII** conversion and comes with a triangular socket bayonet.  The caliber is .577 Snider.  Overall the rifle measures 54″ in length, the bayonet fixed adds an extra 17.1/4″ to the length.  The round blued barrel has a practically flawless three groove RH twist bore which would be hard to improve upon.   This rifle can not have had much use in its 151 years of use.  There is still a strong original shine to the surface of the steel and the edges of the lands are both sharp and deep with strong definition.  One of the best rifle bores I have seen on any MKII.

The flat lock-plate is clearly marked with a fine Royal Crown over “V.R.” behind the hammer.  In-front  of the hammer is the following; ” 1863 / ENFIELD”  These markings are perfect with excellent detail and not a part worn of them.  Translated this means that the original three band percussion musket converted to Snider was built in 1862 by Enfield.  Further forward is the lock-makers inspection mark, which consists of a small crown over a downward pointing arrow.  There is a “3” forward of that which could be a repair mark.  The lock is a two position device with positive hard clicks and a strong main spring.  The wood to metal fit around the lock is perfect and flush.  The hammer and lock are both plain without boarders.

The breech is the usual horizontally rolling block with sliding ejector mechanism to dislodge the spent case. The block returns forward by the action of a spring around the spindle.  The thumb piece is crudely cross-hatched for purchase. The steel firing pin returns, once again, under the positive action of a spring housed in the firing pin tunnel.  The face of the hammer which strikes the pin is the correct dished type as per the MKII** modifications.  The breech block is marked with; “broad arrow / WD / crown / E / 10″  These are War Department ownership marks and chief inspectors at Enfield marks.  Once opened the block displays another Enfield inspection stamp underneath “crown / E / 3″ and on the rear face the serial number which is repeated on all relevant parts;” 4592″  On dis-assembly of the block, ejector and barrel this number is repeated. The receiver is clearly marked ” II /*/*”  then proof and ownership marks appear on the LH of the same as follows; ” crown / V R / crossed pendants / P”  then behind that “ broad arrow /WD /crown /E / 42.”  Forward of those but on the barrel the crossed pendants mark is repeated and another Enfield inspectors stamp below that.

The rear sights consist of the simple ladder and ramp type with good colour and clear markings.  The ramp is marked on the RHS side 1- 4 and the ladder 5 – 8.  On flipping the ladder over onto its face the serial number is clearly stamped on the reverse.  The front sight is a simple block with a pointed V on top, the whole doubling as a bayonet lug.  All the bands are clearly Enfield inspected and retain a good degree of blue fading to plumb as is the barrel.  The rigger guard is brass as is the fore-end cap and the butt-plate, they all carry clear Enfield inspectors marks.  The trigger guard doubles as the mount for the rear sling swivel, off which hangs a brass chain nipple protector and leather plug, which all look to be original.  The steel ramrod is the correct full length type with clear Enfield stamping and screws into a concealed block under the action at the end of its channel.

The stock is in very good condition with no serious damage or repairs.  It is light in colour and clearly shows an “R – crown – M / Enfield” cartouche on the RHS with a large “1” stamped in at the base of the circle.  Twin screws secure the lock and are seated in brass cups on the obverse of the lock.  Most interestingly on the obverse to the Enfield cartouche on the butt is a clear “D C” diamond marking denoting Dominion of Canada.  This indicates that this particular rifle was sent over to Canada to help put down the Feinian raids  from 1866 to 1871.  It is for sale with a good fitting triangular socket bayonet with a brass and leather scabbard, marked “WD”.

Altogether, this rifle is in fine condition for its advance years and to add to that, it is particularly satisfying to be able to narrow down an active period of its existence to its involvement abroad.

£ 1450.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,SOLD

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