Danish Snider Model 1848/65 Infantry Rifle 17.5x29R Rimfire 33 1/2″ Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,900.00
LSB#: LSB251220TO070
Make: Danish
Model: M1848/65
Serial#: 592
Year of Manufacture: 1854
Caliber: 17.5x29R Rimfire
Action Type: Single shot, Rimfire, Snider type conversion, Exposed Hammer
Markings: The lock plate is marked “MD-1848, 1854-592″. The barrel is marked ” “1854-592, 2364”. The breech block is marked “5629”. The serial number “592” is marked on various parts throughout the rifle.
Barrel Length: 33 1/2″
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a tapered blade integral to the front stock band. The rear sight is an adjustable sliding V notch that is held by a thumb screw.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The stock is a one piece smooth walnut, three stock bands, straight grip, straight comb, and smooth brass buttplate. The LOP is 13 1/4″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and light compression dents throughout. There are no cracks. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Color Case, Brass
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is minor corrosion and pitting scattered throughout. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its original finish. There are scratches, nicks and handling marks throughout. There are a few light spots of corrosion staining. There is thinning at the muzzle from bayonet use. The hammer, lock plate, and block retain some of their colors but are somewhat muted. The trigger guard shows some tarnish and age darkening. The barrel bands are tool marked but serviceable. The screw heads are tool marked but serviceable. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Danish Model 1848/65 rifle represents an important transitional firearm from the period when European militaries began converting muzzleloading arms to metallic cartridge systems. Originally produced as a percussion muzzleloader in the mid 19th century, many Danish Model 1848 rifles were later converted to breech loading configuration using a Snider type hinged breech system. This conversion allowed the rifle to fire a self contained metallic rimfire cartridge, significantly improving the rate of fire and reliability compared to earlier muzzleloading systems. These rifles served Denmark during a time of rapid military modernization across Europe in the decades following the Crimean War and during the conflicts of the mid 19th century.
The rifle is chambered for the 17.5x29R rimfire cartridge, a large caliber black powder round typical of the early metallic cartridge era. Rifles of this pattern retained many traditional military musket characteristics including long barrels, three barrel bands, and full length stocks designed for infantry service. The hinged Snider style breechblock paired with an exposed hammer allowed soldiers to open the breech, insert a cartridge, and close the block in a much faster and more efficient process than loading from the muzzle. These conversions were widely adopted across Europe as a practical solution while new purpose built breech loading rifles were being developed.
This example remains in very good overall condition for a rifle of its age and configuration. The rifle retains approximately 75 percent of its original blued, case colored, and brass finish with scattered scratches, nicks, and handling marks throughout along with a few light spots of corrosion staining. The walnut stock remains structurally sound and displays only light compression dents and handling marks with no cracks observed. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates approximately 8 out of 10 with only minor corrosion and pitting present. The action functions correctly and overall the rifle presents as a well preserved example of a Danish Snider conversion rifle from the mid 19th century. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF