Enfield Snider Commercial .577 Snider Single-Shot Rifle Circa 1860s Antique
SOLD FOR: $1113
LSB#: 210906MB17
Make: Snider
Model: Carbine
Serial Number: 3094
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1860s
Caliber: .577 Snider
Action Type: Single Shot, Side Hinged Breech Block Action Percussion Rifle
Markings: The side plate is marked “W & J KAVANAGH / DUBLIN”. The breech block is marked with a few proofs and “SNIDER’S PATENT”. The interior of the breech block is marked with a proof and “3094”. The left side of the chamber ring is marked with a proof mark. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked with several British proof and inspection stamps and inverted “25” twice.
Barrel Length: 26”
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 three-leaf v-notch.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered wood with barrel band/sling swivel, straight grip, straight comb, and metal buttplate. The stock has light compressions, nicks, and dings throughout, all of which have been oiled over. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear in the form of scuffs and scrapes and has gone to a light patina. Overall, the stock rates in Good-plus condition, as antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is rather dark with well-defined rifling. There is light erosion scattered throughout along with moderate stubborn fouling.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its metal finish. While there seems to be consistent bluing, it appears that the finish is making the transition to patina. This is most evident at the flat of the barrel where it meets the receiver and breech block. The breech block has light pitting throughout. The barrel has intermittent light nicks and pitting from erosion. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked, all with usable slots. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition, as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, 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. The Snider action was rather popular and found its way to the commercial market. We believe this is one such rifle given the lock plate marking. This example is, for an antique, in Very Good condition with quite a bit of finish a decent bore. Good luck and happy bidding!