{"product_id":"original-british-victorian-commercial-p-1869-snider-enfield-mk-iii-rifle-by-birmingham-small-arms-co-with-excellent-bore-dated-1869","title":"Original British Victorian Commercial P-1869 Snider-Enfield Mk III Rifle by Birmingham Small Arms Co. with Excellent Bore, Dated 1869","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original British Victorian commercial three band Snider-Enfield Mk III rifle manufactured by\u003cstrong\u003e Birmingham Small Arms Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e and dated \u003cstrong\u003e1869\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lock plate is clearly marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB.S.A. Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1869\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eidentifying 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eB.S.A. Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth the breech block and the forward action shoe carry the Snider \u003cstrong\u003earrow through S\u003c\/strong\u003e trademark surrounded by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSNIDER\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside of the breech block is numbered:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e142\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith the same number also stamped on the underside of the locking lever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the barrel beneath the rear sight retains a strong set of Birmingham commercial proof and inspection markings. These include the \u003cstrong\u003eCrown over crossed scepters over BPC\u003c\/strong\u003e proof, \u003cstrong\u003eCrown over crossed scepters over V\u003c\/strong\u003e view mark, and \u003cstrong\u003eCrown over BP\u003c\/strong\u003e definitive proof. A:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e25\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ebore marking is also present, corresponding to \"25 Bore\", or approximately .571 caliber.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeveral \u003cstrong\u003eCrown \/ FA\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe right side of the stock is stamped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eC S T 39\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe meaning of this marking has not been identified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003e1869 B.S.A. Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e lock marking, commercial configuration, Mk III locking action, matching \u003cstrong\u003e142\u003c\/strong\u003e breech components, extensive Birmingham proof marks, unusual \u003cstrong\u003eCrown \/ FA\u003c\/strong\u003e stamps, unidentified \u003cstrong\u003eC S T 39\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eCrown \/ FA\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1869\u003cbr\u003eMaker: Birmingham Small Arms Co.\u003cbr\u003eModel: P-1869 MkIII Snider-Enfield\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .58 inches\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: .577 Centerfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 36.5 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 54 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Side Action Lock\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: Side Hinge Rotating Breech block\u003cbr\u003eFederal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory of the Snider rifle\u003c\/strong\u003e- 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImproved 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45557344010309,"sku":"ONSV26WSV085","price":1495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/1BD2E910-0A46-4C82-BD6D-DCBE6450884F.jpg?v=1786735223","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-victorian-commercial-p-1869-snider-enfield-mk-iii-rifle-by-birmingham-small-arms-co-with-excellent-bore-dated-1869","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}