A London Armoury Co. Enfield Snider Three Band Service Rifle.
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54” overall, 39” .577 three groove barrel with Ordnance proofs, ladder rear sight to 900 yards. Lock is engraved with Crowned VR to the tail with ‘1861 Enfield’ to the front of the hammer next to broad arrow ordnance ownership mark. Walnut stock with regulation pattern brass furniture and is struck to the right hand side with a LACo. roundel over a 1st class arms mark and the date 1868, (the date of conversion). With correct rammer. Snider action with WD military proofed Snider shoe by the BSA Co. and stamped ‘II**’ to the receiver ring. With its bayonet and scabbard and a later rifle sling.
Dated 1861.
Very good condition with good bore and well marked stock.
Designed as a stop gap weapon, converted from P53 Enfield muzzle loaders the Snider was intended to serve with the army until the purpose built Martini Henry breech loader could be developed and manufactured. In the end the Snider was to be the frontline weapon of the army for well over 10 years and in fact saw as long a service as the Martini did in the end. The MkII** being the definitive issue variant of the rifle.