BSAC Enfield 1853 P-53 Mark II 577 Snider Conversion Rifle MFD 1860 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1375
LSB#: 211020PM07
Make: Birmingham Small Arms Co.
Model: Enfield 1853 Snider Conversion
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1860 (Original, converted later, date unknown)
Caliber: .577 Snider
Action Type: Hinged Breech-Block Single-Shot Rifle
Markings: The left side of the barrel, left side of the receiver, the top of the receiver, the lock plate, the top of the buttplate, and the left side of the stock are marked with British proofs, military acceptance marks, and inspection stamps—the top of the receiver is marked “* / •II”, for Mark II. The side plate is marked with a crown over “V.R.”, “B.S.A.CO. / 1860”.
Barrel Length: 36 1/2” approximately
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to a rectangular base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a folding ladder sight presenting a “V”-notch when folded down. When folded up, the slider has a “V”-notch and there is also a “V”-notch at the top of the ladder.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth wood with nose cap, three barrel bands, straight grip, straight comb, brass buttplate, sling swivel on the forward most barrel band and a sling swivel in the front of the guard. The stock has scattered nicks, dings, scrapes and scratches. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has moderate nicks, dings, and scrapes throughout. Overall, the stock rates in Good-plus condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright in places, but is overall quite dirty, and has only well-defined rifling. There are intermittent spots of light erosion along with light stubborn fouling throughout.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. All metal surfaces have gone to a dark patina. The block has scattered light nicks and dings. The barrel has scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs, with the heaviest wear present on the handle. The screw heads are tool marked but have usable slots. The markings are generally clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fair-to-Good condition, as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: There is a ram-rod and a barrel mounted bayonet.
Our Assessment: Originally developed by a New York-based entrepreneur for the British, the Snider breech-loading system was designed to economically convert existing muzzle-loading arms to use a breech-loaded cartridge. This allowed Britain to convert their existing inventory to use the new technology which allowed rifles to be fired faster, more reliably, and with ammunition easier to store and transport. The Snider was more of a stop-gap, being swiftly replaced by the Martini, but was a significant development in military small arms. The Snider conversion gave troops an astonishing 284% increase in fire-rate. The sound of Infantry line volleys were described as that of “canvas ripping”. This example is a Mark II conversion, meaning it features no Mark I upgrades or modifications at all, and was converted from the 1853 directly to the latest version. Conversions such as this one made by the British Small Arms Company are a fascinating aspect of military weapons history. This example is, for an antique, in Fair-to-Good condition with a decent bore. Good luck and happy bidding!