Enfield Snider Cavalry Carbine .577 Snider Single-Shot Rifle, 1870 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1476
LSB#: 210722TS54
Make: Enfield
Model: Cavalry Carbine
Serial Number: D280
Year of Manufacture: 1870
Caliber: .577 Snider
Action Type: Single Shot, Side Hinged Breech Block Action Percussion Rifle
Markings: The side plate is marked with a British Crown over “V.R.” for Victoria Regina, a pointed crown over “1870 / ENFIELD”, and a serial number “D280”. The breech block is marked with a few proofs and “III”. The interior of the breech block is marked with a proof and “7705”. The left side of the chamber ring is marked with a few proof marks. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked with several British proof and inspection stamps and “STEEL”.
Barrel Length: 19 1/2”
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 wood with barrel band, straight grip, and brass buttplate. The stock has light compressions, and dings throughout, all of which have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear in the form of scuffs and scrapes. Overall, the stock rates in Good-to-Very Good condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued with Brass Trim
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well-defined rifling. There is very minor erosion in spots and light stubborn fouling as well.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 0% of its metal finish. Metal has gone to a light patina throughout. The barrel has light nicks and scuffs throughout along with a few patches of moderate surface oxidation. The action has light operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in 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: None.
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. At the time, this upgrade gave troops an astonishing 284% increase in fire-rate. The sound of Infantry line volleys were described as “canvas ripping”. The Snider conversion was more of a stop-gap, being swiftly replaced by the Martini, but was a significant development in military small arms. This example is a tried and true cavalry carbine that saw service with the British military. Acceptance stamps dot the rifle, and notably there is the British Crown over “V.R.” for Victoria Regina—fealty to the Monarch of the time. Conversions such as these are a fascinating aspect of military weapons history. This example is, for an antique, in Good condition with a more than decent bore. Good luck and happy bidding!