Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original British Victorian commercial three band Snider-Enfield Mk III rifle manufactured by Birmingham Small Arms Co. and dated 1869. It is a particularly attractive example with a mature untouched appearance, strong Birmingham commercial proof markings, the final Mk III locking breech action, and an excellent three groove bore that remains largely mirror bright. The rifle shows light oxidation staining, old dried grease, and accumulated age patina that have largely been left intact aside from a light wipe down.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The lock plate is clearly marked:

B.S.A. Co.
1869

identifying manufacture by Birmingham Small Arms Company. There is no Crown or V.R. marking on the lock and no visible military lock viewer mark, supporting identification as a commercial rather than standard British government issue rifle.

The rifle is fitted with the final Snider Mk III action, distinguished by the positive locking lever on the breech block rather than the detent arrangement used on earlier patterns. The top of the breech block is also marked:

B.S.A. Co.

Both the breech block and the forward action shoe carry the Snider arrow through S trademark surrounded by:

SNIDER
PATENT

The underside of the breech block is numbered:

142

with the same number also stamped on the underside of the locking lever.

The left side of the barrel beneath the rear sight retains a strong set of Birmingham commercial proof and inspection markings. These include the Crown over crossed scepters over BPC proof, Crown over crossed scepters over V view mark, and Crown over BP definitive proof. A:

25

bore marking is also present, corresponding to "25 Bore", or approximately .571 caliber.

Several Crown / FA markings are present in the same area, with another visible on the breech shoe. Additional Crown over crossed scepters over V inspection marks appear on the left side of both the breech shoe and breech block.

The right side of the stock is stamped:

C S T 39

The meaning of this marking has not been identified.

The "Crown / FA" markings are noteworthy because similar marks are associated with some Portuguese contract Snider rifles. This example, however, does not exhibit the other features normally associated with the later Portuguese BSA contract arms, which were produced in the mid-1870s and generally show different lock markings and Portuguese ownership markings. The significance of the Crown / FA stamps on this 1869 commercial rifle therefore remains uncertain.

The iron and steel surfaces have developed an attractive aged patina with light old oxidation, dried grease, and accumulated dirt remaining in protected areas. No major rust or deep pitting was observed, and the rifle retains a convincing long stored appearance rather than showing evidence of recent aggressive cleaning.

The lock presently holds at both half cock and full cock. The breech locking lever operates, the breech block opens correctly, and the firing pin remains present. With the hammer at half cock, the block can be opened and drawn rearward through its normal extraction movement.

The bore is an especially strong feature. It retains the correct three wide groove rifling and is in excellent condition, remaining largely mirror bright with little visible evidence of use. Original machining or cutting marks can still be seen within the grooves.

The stock is in good service used condition with an attractive mature color and patina. It shows pressure dents, scratches, small gouges, and other handling wear consistent with age and storage, but no major cracks or repairs were observed. An old varnished finish appears to have been applied at some point and remains well preserved overall.

Both sling swivels remain present and move freely. The rear sight is complete and functional. A cleaning rod is fitted beneath the barrel, though it appears to be a relatively recent reproduction rather than an original period component.

With its 1869 B.S.A. Co. lock marking, commercial configuration, Mk III locking action, matching 142 breech components, extensive Birmingham proof marks, unusual Crown / FA stamps, unidentified C S T 39 stock marking, and exceptionally bright three groove bore, this is a particularly interesting Victorian Snider-Enfield. The old oxidation staining, dried grease, stock wear, later varnish, uncertain Crown / FA significance, and reproduction cleaning rod are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a British Victorian military arms, commercial Snider-Enfield, Birmingham Small Arms Co., breech loading conversion era, or advanced 19th century firearms collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1869
Maker: Birmingham Small Arms Co.
Model: P-1869 MkIII Snider-Enfield
Caliber: .58 inches
Ammunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 36.5 inches
Overall Length: 54 inches
Action: Side Action Lock
Feed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

History of the Snider rifle- Jacob Snider, an American from New York, developed this breech loading system for the P-1853 Enfield, the most prolific imported Percussion rifle in use by both the North and South during the U.S. Civil War. When the British Board of Ordnance appointed a Select Committee in 1864 the Snider system was swiftly adopted with the first breech loaders being issued in 1865 to British forces.

Improved in 1867 by the use of Colonel Boxer's center fire brass bodied cartridge, the rifle was used very effectively in the Abyssinian Campaign of 1868. The system utilized a hinged breech block with an internal firing pin assembly that permitted the use of a self contained cartridge of lead bullet in cardboard, and, after 1867, brass casing. This highly efficient conversion system prolonged the active life of the P-1853 rifles up until 1871 when the Martini System was adopted. Snider rifles saw continued use throughout the Empire but were officially obsoleted by the late 1880s.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers". Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services.