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Item No.:	9035	Price :	SOLD
Item :	FINE, BRITISH MK III SNIDER-ENFIELD RIFLE & BAYONET

Description :

This is an original, British MK III Snider-Enfield Rifle with its original bayonet. It is chambered for the .577 Snider Cartridge. In 1866, the British adopted the breech loading action developed by American inventor Jacob Snider. They began converting Pattern 1853 Rifle-Muskets into breech loaders using the original iron barrels, hardware, and locks. The MK III Rifles featured newly manufactured barrels made of steel. These barrels are marked "STEEL" on the left side. The Snider was used throughout the Bristish Empire, serving until the adoption of the Martini-Henry in 1874. In India, the Snider served well into the 1890's (Following the Indian Rebellion of 1857, The British kept the Indians one firearm generation behind the remainder of the British Empire). This Snider is in fine condition. The barrel and breech retain about 60% of their original factory blued finish. Much of the blue is turning brown. The barrel bands have three different levels of finish. The front band is mostly brown with traces of finish. The middle band has been refinished and is a plum color. The lower band retains about 80% of its original blue. The rifle has excellent mechanics and a fine bore. The bore has some light pitting, but the rifling remains strong along the barrel's length. The stock is in fine condition as well. There are a few tiny dings from use. There is a nice Enfield cartouche on the right side of the butt. On the left side there is a diamond within which the letters "D C" are stamped. The bayonet and scabbard are in fine condition. The bayonet is finished armory bright and has a light speckling of brown patina. The leather on the scabbard is complete and bears several British acceptance markings. The firing pin protector appears to have been modified from an early, original percussion nipple protector. The white buff sling is a replica. The Snider served the British Empire well. They saw hard service and most are in rough condition. It is nice to see a good one! Stock no. 24231

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